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A surprising discovery lurking deep in the mouth: What does new salivary gland research reveal?
In our mouths, salivary glands work silently but are rarely noticed. Recent research has revealed the importance of salivary glands in human health, and even mentioned a recently discovered structure called "tubular salivary glands." In the past, our understanding of these glands was mostly limited to their glandular classification, secretory function and role in the digestive process, but today's discoveries have triggered more research interest.
Basic structure and function of salivary glands
The human body has three main pairs of salivary glands: parotid glands, submandibular glands and sublingual glands, as well as hundreds of small salivary glands. The main function of these glands is to produce saliva, and their secretion types can be divided into amylase, which is antibacterial, and glycoprotein mucus, which acts as a lubricant.
According to research, the human body can produce 1,200 to 1,500 ml of saliva every day. This saliva not only plays an important role in the chewing process, but is also crucial for oral health protection.
Breakthrough discovery of tubular salivary glands
In 2020, when researchers performed imaging examinations of the nasopharynx area, they discovered for the first time a pair of glands called tubular salivary glands. These glands are located above the larynx and open into the side wall of the throat. The finding has attracted widespread attention because it may explain why some patients undergoing radiation therapy experience dry mouth even though their main salivary glands have not been damaged, but the finding still needs further validation.
The discovery of tubular salivary glands not only provides us with a new research direction, but also reveals the complexity and diversity of salivary glands in human physiology.
The benefits of saliva and oral health
Saliva has multiple benefits for oral health, including lubricating the mouth, aiding digestion, and providing antimicrobial protection. The enzymes in saliva start the digestion process of food, and its components help maintain dental health. The flow and quality of saliva are indicators of oral health. Reduced flow will lead to dry mouth and affect quality of life.
For example, the mucin contained in saliva can protect and lubricate the soft tissues in the mouth, and its structure can effectively help food slide through the throat and prevent food from getting stuck.
Salivary gland diseases and clinical significance
The health of your salivary glands is vital to overall health. When there are problems with the salivary glands, such as salivary gland stones or symptoms of dry mouth, it will affect daily life and overall quality. Radiation therapy can cause damage to salivary gland function, potentially leading to permanent dry mouth, while chemotherapy is more likely to have only temporary effects, according to the study.
As we age, the size of salivary glands decreases and their structure changes. These changes are almost irreversible. However, the overall saliva secretion is not necessarily affected.
Future research directions
With the advancement of science and technology, the understanding of salivary glands and their functions will continue to deepen. Future research may focus on early diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland diseases and the development of new treatments for salivary gland dysfunction. Understanding new tubular glands and their functions may provide new ideas for related oral health treatments.
Taken together, saliva and its glands play an important role in human life. As research continues, will these glands hidden deep in the mouth reveal more overlooked physiological mysteries?
