salivary gland
Mouth's moisture maker
A salivary gland is an organ in the mouth that produces saliva—the fluid that moistens food for swallowing and begins the digestive process.
Humans have three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual.
The dentist noticed her salivary glands were swollen.
Viral gland inflammation
- sialolithiasisStone formation in saliva ducts
- parotitisInflamed salivary gland
- Sjögren's syndromeAutoimmune exocrine gland destruction
- blockageObstruction halting movement
Saliva spilling out
- slobberLet saliva dribble out
- spittleExpelled mouth secretion
- spitExpelled mouth moisture
- hypersalivationExcessive oral secretion
dry mouth · flow rate · viscosity · mucin · electrolytes · buffering · pH balance
Cheek-area saliva gland
- sublingualUnder the tongue
- exocrineSecreting externally via ducts
- ductsEnclosed passage tubes
- oral cavityMouth's interior chamber
pharynx · secretory · lobules · capsule · stroma · innervation · blood supply · serous
Starch-digesting enzyme
- lipaseFat-dissolving enzyme
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
- peroxidasePeroxide-degrading enzyme
- antibacterialKills or inhibits germs
Coating to reduce friction
- moisteningMaking damp
- chewingCrushing food orally
- swallowingIngesting via throat muscles
- speechOral communication ability
oral hygiene · remineralization · enamel protection · wound healing
Tissue sample for diagnosis
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
- CT scanTomographic diagnostic imaging
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
- excisionCutting out of tissue
mumps
Viral gland inflammation
- sialolithiasisStone formation in saliva ducts
- parotitisInflamed salivary gland
- Sjögren's syndromeAutoimmune exocrine gland destruction
blockage · swelling · inflammation · infection · autoimmune
drool
Saliva spilling out
hypersalivation · dry mouth · flow rate · viscosity · mucin · electrolytes · buffering · pH balance
parotid
Cheek-area saliva gland
- sublingualUnder the tongue
- exocrineSecreting externally via ducts
- ductsEnclosed passage tubes
oral cavity · pharynx · secretory · lobules · capsule · stroma · innervation · blood supply · serous · mucous
amylase
Starch-digesting enzyme
- lipaseFat-dissolving enzyme
- immunoglobulinDefensive blood protein
- peroxidasePeroxide-degrading enzyme
lubrication
Coating to reduce friction
- moisteningMaking damp
- chewingCrushing food orally
- swallowingIngesting via throat muscles
speech · oral hygiene · remineralization · enamel protection · wound healing
biopsy
Tissue sample for diagnosis
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
- CT scanTomographic diagnostic imaging
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
excision · radiation therapy · diagnosis · treatment · surgery
salivary glandendocrine gland
Ductless hormone-secreting organ
pituitary gland · thyroid gland · adrenal gland · pineal gland · hypothalamus
saliva, salivate, gland, glands, salivation, salivary, glandular, salivating, salivary glands