Scientists have stumbled upon a new human organ while on the hunt for cancer insights in a remarkable twist of fate. Dutch researchers, delving into prostate cancer mysteries, were taken aback when they unearthed an organ at the completely opposite end of the body....CONTINUE READING
The discovery happened at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, where the team was conducting CT and PET scans on patients injected with radioactive glucosea substance that highlights tumours by making them shine on scans due to the protein PSMA, commonly found in prostate cancer cells.
This same protein, PSMA, is known to light up saliva glands, but to the scientists’ surprise, additional spots within the human head began to glow during their tests.
This led to the identification of what they’ve termed the “tubarial salivary gland,” nestled behind the nose in proximity to where the nasal cavity and throat converge, just behind the visage. It’s theorised that this gland’s purpose is to moisten the upper throat behind the nose and mouth.
The team discovered the new organ as they were looking for tumours in the body. Upon further investigation of 100 patients, it became evident that each one possessed the newly named “tubarial salivary gland”, reports the Express US. Our bodies are already home to three other significant salivary glands, all situated within the head.
Among these are the parotid glands, which produce saliva crucial for chewing and swallowing food, followed by the submandibular glands under the lower jaw, which contribute the majority of our mouth’s saliva. Lastly, the sublingual glands, located beneath the tongue, assist in the process of eating food…<<CONTINUE READING>>
