Speicheldrüse
salivary gland
Definition & meaning
A Speicheldrüse is an exocrine gland found in the oral cavity of humans and many animals. Its primary function is to produce and secrete Speichel (saliva). This fluid is essential for moistening the mouth, protecting the teeth, facilitating the swallowing process, and initiating the digestion of carbohydrates through specific enzymes like amylase. Humans possess three major pairs of these glands as well as numerous minor ones distributed throughout the oral mucosa.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a feminine compound noun. In German, its plural form is Speicheldrüsen.
It consists of two distinct parts:
- Speichel: This means saliva. It is derived from the Old High German "speihila".
- Drüse: This means gland. It stems from the Middle High German "drüese", which originally referred to a bump, kernel, or swelling.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: In a medical or scientific context, the Latin term Glandula is frequently used. Depending on the specific location, synonyms for types of salivary glands include Ohrspeicheldrüse (parotid gland), Unterkieferdrüse (submandibular gland), and Unterzungendrüse (sublingual gland).
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for this word as it refers to a specific anatomical structure.
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Examples
Die Speicheldrüse produziert Speichel im Mund.noun
The salivary gland produces saliva in the mouth.
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