Salivary gland

/sˈalɪvəɹi ɡlˈand/

/sˈælɪvˌɛɹi ɡlˈænd/

[noun]

Salivary gland

[NOUN]

an exocrine gland that produces and releases saliva into the mouth, aiding in digestion

What is "salivary gland"?

The salivary gland is a part of the exocrine system and is responsible for producing and secreting saliva into the oral cavity. While salivary glands are primarily exocrine glands involved in saliva production, it's worth noting that they are indirectly influenced by the endocrine system. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, produced by endocrine glands like the adrenal glands, can affect salivary gland function. These hormones can modulate salivary flow and composition, particularly in response to stress or other physiological changes. However, the primary role of salivary glands is still related to digestion and oral health rather than hormone production

Examples

1. First, immature parasites enter the human body through the salivary glands of the mosquito.

2. In later stages of infection, the virus invades the salivary glands, sometimes causing excessive salivation.

3. In addition to endocrine glands, you also have exocrine glands, like salivary glands and sweat glands.

4. And in the fly’s salivary glands, there was also a spore-like stage of the parasite.