Rolita had the mumps as a child and experienced swelling in the parotid glands. What do these glands secrete?
1) tears 2) saliva 3) oil 4) sweat
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is 2) saliva.
The parotid glands are a pair of major salivary glands located in front of the ears, near the jawline. These glands are responsible for producing and secreting saliva into the mouth. Saliva is a digestive fluid that aids in the breakdown of food, helps moisten food for easier swallowing, and protects the mouth from infections. The parotid glands secrete a type of saliva that is primarily watery and rich in enzymes, such as amylase, which begins the process of starch digestion in the mouth.
When a person has the mumps, it is a viral infection that causes inflammation and swelling in the parotid glands. This condition can lead to painful swelling in the face, often near the jaw and below the ears. The mumps virus primarily targets the salivary glands, especially the parotid glands, causing them to become enlarged and tender. This is why one of the hallmark symptoms of mumps is the swelling of these glands.
Saliva plays an essential role in oral health and digestion. In addition to aiding digestion, it also helps to protect the teeth by neutralizing acids in the mouth, maintaining moisture, and helping to wash away food particles. The presence of amylase in saliva is crucial for breaking down starches, making it easier for the digestive system to absorb nutrients.
The parotid glands are just one of three pairs of major salivary glands in the body. The other two pairs are the submandibular glands (under the jaw) and the sublingual glands (under the tongue). All of these glands contribute to the production of saliva, but the parotid glands are the largest and most prominent.