New human organ discovered 
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Researchers in the Netherlands have made an unexpected anatomical discovery while studying a new type of scan – a fourth pair of salivary glands located where the nasal cavity meets the throat
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PET scans: Radiotracer is injected into patient to light up specific organs in body. CT scan then uses x-rays to make 3D image of body
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PSMA PET/CT: Scan used by researchers
to highlight salivary glands and avoid damaging them during radiation therapy
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Researchers notice pair of glands, 60mm in length, near back of jaw
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Salivary glands: One pair near ears, two more below jaw, another pair under tongue
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1 Parotid glands: Largest salivary glands. Secrete saliva to lubricate mouth. Saliva contains enzyme amylase (ptyalin) which starts digestion of starches
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2 Submandibular glands: Produce 65-70% of saliva, including antimicrobial enzymes
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3 Sublingual glands: Around 5% of saliva entering oral cavity comes from these glands. Salivary glands produce between 0.5 and 1.5 litres of saliva every day
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New organs: Pairs of glands are visible in scans of 100 patients
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Tubarial glands: Are wrapped around torus tubarius

Pharynx Nasal cavity (throat)

Jaw

3 2 1
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Source: Radiotherapy & Oncology Picture: Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek © GRAPHIC NEWS