The Pink Buzz Team
You would think that we know about all the organs in our bodies. But, believe it or not, scientists accidentally found a new organ in the human throat recently.
Researchers from the Netherlands (Netherlands Cancer Institute and University of Amsterdam) have discovered a new pair of salivary glands hidden between the nasal cavity and throat. They noticed the new gland while studying patients with a form of cancer using a new type of internal scanning technology.
These new glands have been named ‘tubarial glands’ and they produce saliva.
The team of medical scientists who published their research in a journal (Radiology and Oncology) in September 2020, found that protecting these glands from radiation during radiation therapy in cancer patients can help reduce negative side effects.
This discovery can be termed as serendipitous!
Do you know what Serendipity is? Serendipity is an unplanned fortunate discovery.
How many of these functions of saliva did you know about?
- Cleaning effect of washing away food particles
- Begins the process of digestion in the mouth itself
- Helps in remineralization of teeth and supplies calcium and phosphorous to teeth
- Makes swallowing food easier
- Helps develope sense of taste
- Antibacterial effect: Fighting off bacteria that enters the mouth
- pH buffer: By helping maintain the right pH in the mouth it prevents tooth decay
- Effect of protecting the tongue as a lubricant
