submaxillary salivary gland
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A major salivary gland: The submaxillary salivary gland is one of the three pairs of major salivary glands in the human body. It is located beneath the lower jaw (mandible) on either side of the face. - Primary producer of saliva at rest: This gland is responsible for producing the majority of saliva secreted during periods of rest or sleep (nocturnal saliva). - Anatomical discharge point: It discharges its saliva into the oral cavity through a duct that opens under the tongue.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The submaxillary salivary gland can sometimes become blocked, leading to swelling and pain.
- During the examination, the doctor palpated the area near the submaxillary salivary gland.
- Saliva from the submaxillary salivary gland helps to begin the digestion of food.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Context: The term is frequently used in medical, dental, and anatomical discussions.
- An infection of the submaxillary salivary gland is called sialadenitis.
- Stones (sialoliths) most commonly form in the duct of the submaxillary salivary gland.
Variants and Related Words
- Submandibular gland: This is the more modern and clinically preferred synonym for "submaxillary salivary gland." The terms are used interchangeably.
- Submaxillary gland: A shortened, yet still correct, form of the full term.
- Wharton's duct: The specific name for the duct that carries saliva from the submaxillary salivary gland into the mouth.
Synonyms
- Submandibular gland: The direct and most common synonym.
- Submandibular salivary gland: A full synonym that clarifies the gland's function.
Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)
- Parotid gland: The largest salivary gland, located near the ears.
- Sublingual gland: The smallest major salivary gland, located under the tongue.
- Saliva: The fluid produced and secreted by the salivary glands.
Noun
- a salivary gland inside the lower jaw on either side that produces most of the nocturnal saliva; discharges saliva into the mouth under the tongue