Parotid gland

/pˈaɹətˌɪd ɡlˈand/

/pˈæɹətˌɪd ɡlˈænd/

[noun]

Parotid gland

[NOUN]

a major salivary gland located near the ear that produces and secretes saliva into the mouth

What is "parotid gland"?

The parotid gland is an exocrine gland located near the ear that is responsible for producing and secreting saliva into the oral cavity. Its primary function is to aid in the process of digestion by releasing enzymes and lubricating substances that facilitate the breakdown and moistening of food during chewing and swallowing.

Examples

1. The parotid glands and the brain stem have shadow prices of 0.

2. Having dry eyes and dry mouth, along with enlarged parotid glands, excessive fatigue, and aches and pains, can be symptoms specific to Sjögren syndrome, an autoimmune disease.

3. Water bags on the side of the face that look like a parotid gland tumor.

4. However, the dose to other critical structures has increased, especially to the parotid glands, shown in black, and to the spinal cord, shown in green.