Dr Ronald Chin Checks Out Salivary Glands
Everything You Need to Know About Salivary Glands
Salivary glands play a vital role in keeping your mouth healthy, aiding digestion, and protecting against infections. These glands produce saliva, which helps break down food, keeps your mouth moist, and maintains oral hygiene. Understanding their function and potential issues can help you recognize symptoms early and seek proper care.
Glue ear, after draining the ear drum
Glue ear, intact ear drum
Major Salivary Glands:
- Parotid Gland: Largest salivary gland located near the ear.
- Parotid Duct: Tube that drains saliva from the parotid gland into the mouth.
- Accessory Parotid Gland: A smaller gland associated with the parotid gland.
- Submandibular Gland: Located beneath the lower jaw.
- Submandibular Duct: Carries saliva from the submandibular gland to the floor of the mouth.
- Sublingual Gland: Smallest major salivary gland, found under the tongue.
- Branches of Facial Nerves: Control muscles of facial expression and pass through the parotid gland.
- Transverse Facial Artery: Supplies blood to the parotid gland and adjacent structures.
- Superficial Temporal Artery and Vein: Vascular structures running along the side of the head.
- Auriculotemporal Nerve: A branch of the mandibular nerve that supplies the parotid gland.
- Masseter Muscle: Muscle involved in chewing, located near the parotid gland.
- Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: Muscle running along the side of the neck, important for head movement.
- Internal Jugular Vein: Major vein draining blood from the brain and face.
- External Jugular Vein: Vein draining blood from the exterior of the head and deep parts of the face.
- Common Trunk Receiving Facial, Retromandibular, and Lingual Veins: A venous drainage point combining various facial veins.
- Facial Artery and Vein: Supplies blood to and drains blood from facial structures.
- Buccinator Muscle (Cut): Muscle of the cheek involved in chewing.
- Tongue: Main muscular organ in the mouth responsible for taste and movement of food.
- Frenulum of Tongue: Connective tissue securing the tongue to the mouth floor.
- Mylohyoid Muscle (Cut): Muscle forming the floor of the mouth.
- Lingual Nerve: Provides sensation to the tongue.
This detailed breakdown highlights both the glands and surrounding anatomical structures crucial for understanding salivary gland function and their clinical significance.
- About the Author
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Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
