Sublingualis is a Latin word that means "under the tongue". The spelling of the word is based on the IPA phonetic transcription. The "s" sound is pronounced as "s", the "u" sound is pronounced as "ʌ", and the "b" sound is pronounced as "b". The "l" sound is pronounced as "l", the "i" sound is pronounced as "i", and the "ng" sound is pronounced as "ŋ". The final "a" sound is pronounced as "əs". It is an important word used in anatomy to describe a type of salivary gland located under the tongue.
Sublingualis refers to the sublingual gland, which is a salivary gland located beneath the tongue. The term "sublingualis" is derived from the Latin words "sub," meaning under, and "lingua," meaning tongue. This gland is one of the three major pairs of salivary glands, along with the parotid and submandibular glands.
The sublingual gland is responsible for the production and secretion of saliva, which plays a vital role in the digestive process. Located just beneath the mucous membrane of the floor of the mouth, the sublingual gland secretes saliva through small openings called ducts. Saliva produced by this gland helps in lubricating the oral cavity, facilitating speech, and initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates through the enzyme amylase.
The sublingual gland typically accounts for about 5% of the total saliva produced by the salivary glands. Its secretion is important for maintaining oral health, as it helps in preventing dry mouth, aiding in the digestion of food, and neutralizing acids in the mouth to prevent tooth decay.
Disorders of the sublingual gland, such as inflammation or blockage of the ducts, can lead to conditions like sublingual gland swelling, salivary gland stones, or bacterial infections. Treatment for sublingual gland disorders may involve medication, warm compresses, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to remove obstructions or affected tissue.
See under arteria, fovea, and glandula.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sublingualis" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from two Latin words: "sub" meaning "under" and "lingua" meaning "tongue". Therefore, the word "sublingualis" can be translated as "under the tongue". This term is often used in anatomy and medicine to refer to structures or processes located beneath or pertaining to the tongue.