Submaxillary
Submaxillary
Submaxillary (pronunciation: /sʌbmæksɪlɛri/), also known as the submandibular gland, is one of the three major salivary glands in humans. The term "submaxillary" is derived from the Latin words "sub" meaning under and "maxilla" meaning jaw.
Anatomy
The submaxillary gland is a walnut-sized gland located beneath the lower jaw, or mandible. It is responsible for producing and secreting saliva, which aids in digestion and oral hygiene. The gland is divided into two lobes, the superficial and deep lobe, which are separated by the mylohyoid muscle.
Function
The primary function of the submaxillary gland is the production of saliva. Saliva produced by this gland is a mixture of both serous fluid and mucus. The serous fluid contains amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugar, while the mucus helps in lubricating and binding the food particles together, making it easier to swallow.
Related Terms
- Salivary gland: A group of glands located in and around the mouth and throat, which produce saliva.
- Mandible: The lower jawbone in mammals.
- Mylohyoid muscle: A paired muscle running from the mandible to the hyoid bone, forming the floor of the oral cavity.
- Amylase: An enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Submaxillary
- Wikipedia's article - Submaxillary
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