Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

S
salivary glands Structures within the MOUTH that
produce saliva, a watery fluid that mixes with
food during chewing and maintains the mouth as
a moist environment. The major salivary glands
are primarily along the floor of the mouth (the
sublingual and submandibular glands) and at
the back of the mouth just below the EAR
(parotid glands). These glands produce a steady
supply of saliva that trickles into the mouth to
moisturize mucous membranes. Stimuli related to
eating, such as the smell or appearance of food,
activate an increased flow of saliva to meet the
needs of mastication (chewing). Enzymes in saliva
begin to break down foods to prepare them for
digestion.
The facial and glossopharyngeal nerves, the
seventh and ninth CRANIAL NERVES respectively,
regulate the functions of the salivary glands. The
glossopharyngeal NERVE also handles nerve
impulses for the sense of taste. Small mineral calculi,
or stones, can block the salivary ducts that
drain saliva from the salivary glands, causing PAIN
and swelling (SIALOLITHIASIS). Excessive saliva (SIAL-
ORRHEA), or drooling, can a symptom of various
neurologic conditions, including CEREBRAL PALSY
and PARKINSON’S DISEASE, and often accompanies
SWALLOWING DISORDERS. Saliva production temporarily
increases in young children who are
teething, likely an attempt by the body to soothe
the discomfort of the new TEETH erupting through
the surface of the gums. The parotid glands swell
with the MUMPS.
For further discussion of the salivary glands
within the context of otolaryngologic structure
and function please see the overview section “The
Ear, Nose, Throat, and Mouth.”
See also SIALADENITIS.
septal deviation A shift from midline in the
nasal septum (wall of tissue that separates the air
pathways of the NOSE). Septal deviation can cause
various health conditions such as chronic SINUSITIS
(INFECTION), EPISTAXIS (nosebleed), and obstructed
BREATHING. It can occur as a natural defect or result
from trauma such as a blow to the nose. The treatment
of choice is surgical correction (septoplasty)
to restore the septum to midline. Septal deviation
often accompanies structural anomalies of the
nose that cause people to seek RHINOPLASTY (surgical
reconstruction of the nose).
See also SEPTAL PERFORATION; SURGERY BENEFIT AND
RISK ASSESSMENT.
septal perforation An abnormal opening in the
nasal septum (wall of tissue within the NOSE that
divides the nostrils), that occurs as the result of
chronic irritation, trauma, or cancer. Septal perforation
may develop with long-term use of nasal
oxygen, long-term use of corticosteroid nasal
sprays (such as to treat ALLERGIC RHINITIS), inhalation
of illicit drugs such as COCAINE or aerosols and
glues, foreign objects in the nose, chronic digital
trauma (picking the nose), or long-term exposure
to chromates such as chromic acid and chromium
(used in electroplating and other industrial applications).
Septal perforation sometimes occurs as a
consequence of RHINOPLASTY, particularly when
there have been several operations.
Symptoms of septal perforation may include a
whistling sound when BREATHING, nasal discharge,
and bleeding (EPISTAXIS). The preferred treatment
for most septal perforations is surgical repair (septoplasty),
though it is sometimes necessary to first
remedy the underlying cause. The doctor may
place a nasal septal prosthesis, commonly called a
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