SALIVARY GLANDS Meaning and
Definition
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Salivary glands are a group of exocrine glands located in the mouth that play an essential role in the process of digestion. These glands produce and secrete saliva, a watery fluid that aids in the mechanical breakdown of food and the initiation of the digestive process.
The salivary glands are divided into three major pairs: the parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands. The parotid glands, situated near the ears, are the largest of the three pairs and produce a clear and watery saliva. The submandibular glands, located beneath the jawbone, produce a more viscous saliva. The sublingual glands are situated underneath the tongue and produce a slimy and mucous-like saliva.
Saliva secreted by these glands contains vital enzymes, such as salivary amylase, which help break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. It also aids in lubricating food, making it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also contains antibodies, which help protect the mouth against harmful microorganisms, and mineral ions that contribute to maintaining the pH balance in the mouth.
When salivary glands are not functioning properly, it can lead to various conditions, such as dry mouth (xerostomia) or excessive saliva production (sialorrhea). Additionally, the inflammation or infection of the salivary glands can result in conditions like sialadenitis or the formation of salivary stones (sialolithiasis).
Overall, salivary glands are integral to the oral and digestive health, ensuring the proper breakdown and lubrication of food particles and contributing to the overall maintenance of a healthy oral environment.
Common Misspellings for SALIVARY GLANDS
- salivar gland
- salivary gland
- aalivary glands
- zalivary glands
- xalivary glands
- dalivary glands
- ealivary glands
- walivary glands
- szlivary glands
- sslivary glands
- swlivary glands
- sqlivary glands
- sakivary glands
- sapivary glands
- saoivary glands
- saluvary glands
- saljvary glands
- salkvary glands
- salovary glands
- sal9vary glands
Etymology of SALIVARY GLANDS
The word "salivary" originates from the Latin word "saliva", which means "spittle" or "saliva". The term "gland" comes from the Latin word "glandula", which means "a small organ that secretes substances". Hence, the etymology of "salivary glands" is derived from the Latin roots referring to the organs that produce and secrete saliva.
Similar spelling words for SALIVARY GLANDS
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