PAROTID GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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The parotid gland is a major salivary gland located on each side of the face, below and in front of the ears. It is the largest of the three pairs of salivary glands in the human body.
The parotid gland is responsible for producing saliva, which helps in the process of digestion by moistening food and aiding in the breakdown of carbohydrates. It has an important role in maintaining oral health by lubricating the mouth and protecting the teeth against decay. The saliva produced by the parotid gland also helps in swallowing and speech production.
The gland is primarily composed of specialized cells called acinar cells, which produce and secrete saliva into a network of ducts. These ducts then transport the saliva to the mouth, where it is released through the parotid papilla located near the upper back teeth. The secretion of saliva is regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system, which responds to signals from the brain and various stimuli such as smell, taste, or the presence of food in the mouth.
Disorders or diseases that affect the parotid gland can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, pain or swelling in the affected area, and changes in taste. These conditions can be caused by infections, blockages in the ducts, inflammations, or tumors. Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition, ranging from medication and conservative management to surgical interventions such as gland removal.
Common Misspellings for PAROTID GLAND
- oarotid gland
- larotid gland
- -arotid gland
- 0arotid gland
- pzrotid gland
- psrotid gland
- pwrotid gland
- pqrotid gland
- paeotid gland
- padotid gland
- pafotid gland
- patotid gland
- pa5otid gland
- pa4otid gland
- paritid gland
- parktid gland
- parltid gland
- parptid gland
- par0tid gland
Etymology of PAROTID GLAND
The word "parotid" is derived from the Latin word "parotis", which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek word "parōtís". "Parōtís" refers to the larger gland located near the ear, identified as the parotid gland. The term "parotid" has been used in medical vocabulary for centuries, tracing back to the ancient observations of anatomists.
Similar spelling words for PAROTID GLAND
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