Submandibular gland is an important salivary gland located beneath the jawbone. The word "submandibular" is spelled as /səbˈmændɪbjʊlər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word is divided into four syllables, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The "s" is pronounced as /s/ and the "b" as /b/ followed by a schwa sound /ə/. The word combines the prefix "sub" meaning under with the word "mandibular" meaning jawbone, forming a compound word. Accurate spelling of medical terms is crucial in the healthcare industry to prevent misunderstandings and errors in patient care.
The submandibular gland is a major salivary gland located beneath the mandible, or lower jawbone. It is one of three pairs of salivary glands in the human body, alongside the parotid and sublingual glands. The submandibular gland is responsible for producing and secreting saliva into the oral cavity.
This gland is characterized by its lobulated structure and is situated at the base of the mouth. It receives innervation from the facial nerve, which controls its secretory functions. The submandibular gland secretes saliva through several ducts, known as Wharton's ducts, which open into the floor of the mouth.
The primary function of the submandibular gland is saliva production, which plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Saliva consists of water, electrolytes, enzymes, and mucin. It aids in the digestion and lubrication of food, neutralizes acids in the mouth, cleanses the oral cavity of bacteria, and assists in the initial breakdown of carbohydrates during chewing.
When the submandibular gland is overactive or obstructed, it can lead to various medical conditions such as sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland), sialolithiasis (formation of salivary stones), or salivary gland tumors. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, difficulty in swallowing, and, in some cases, infection.
In summary, the submandibular gland is a major salivary gland located beneath the mandible, responsible for producing and secreting saliva into the oral cavity. Its normal functioning is crucial for maintaining oral health and supporting the digestive process.
The word "submandibular" consists of two parts: "sub-" and "mandibular".
- "Sub-" is a prefix in Latin origin meaning "under" or "below".
- "Mandibular" is an adjective derived from the noun "mandible", which refers to the lower jawbone. It comes from the Latin word "mandibula", meaning "jaw".
Therefore, the term "submandibular gland" refers to a gland positioned below or under the mandible, or the lower jawbone.