Scientists discover new organ in the human throat while studying prostrate cancer

Scientists have discovered a potential new organ in the human throat in the Netherlands that they stumbled upon while carrying out research on prostate cancer, Live science reported.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020

Key-Points

Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have identified a set of salivary glands deep in the upper part of the throat and have named them “tubarial salivary glands”.

The discovery may be important for cancer treatment. So far, this nasopharynx region — behind the nose — was not thought to host anything but microscopic, diffuse, salivary glands.

The newly discovered glands are about 1.5 inches (3.9 centimeters) in length on average and are located over a piece of cartilage called the torus tubarius.

The glands probably lubricate and moisten the upper throat behind the nose and mouth.

Until now, there were three known large salivary glands in humans: one under the tongue, one under the jaw and one at the back of the jaw, behind the cheek.