2007-02-06 04:14:43 · 3 answers · asked by happyshowlow2000 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
The parotid gland is a salivary gland, located in the cheek approximately between the angle of the jaw and the mastoid process. It produces about 25% of our saliva that assists in lubricating food as we swallow. It also produces enzymes called amylases that assist in the digestion of carbohydrates.
The parotid gland is enlarged in mumps and other viral diseases. It can occasionally become cancerous.
2007-02-06 04:27:33 · answer #1 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The previous answer is correct if you meant to say parathyroid gland. However when I first read this, I thought you meant parotid gland, which is a large salivary gland.
2007-02-06 12:26:21 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As its name says, "Parathyroid glands" is near the thyroid gland (para- means close in greek)
There are four of them, and their main function is to produce PTH (parathormone) that regulates calcium levels in blood, taking it outside of the bones if there is too few.
Its counterpart is calcitonin, produced by thyroid gland, and much more important, D vitamin that helps calcium be absorbed and fixed in bones.
2007-02-06 12:20:44 · answer #3 · answered by mbestevez 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋