New human organ discovered in the throat
Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute accidentally discovered a previously unknown organ. While conducting scans of the human body they found the ‘tubarial salivary glands’. These are located at the top of the throat, behind the nose. This hard-to-reach area contains the pair of glands. Each is about 4 cm (1.5 in) long. They lubricate the throat, which helps swallowing.
This discovery has implications for radiotherapy in cancer treatment. Radiation damage to salivary glands can lead to “impaired food intake, digestion, speech problems and increased risk of caries [tooth decay] and oral infections.” Adverse effects in this area had not previously been taken into consideration. The discovery of these salivary glands “could help to explain and [in future] avoid radiation-induced side-effects.”
This discovery reminds us that scientists have much to learn about the human body. We are still discovering designed and purposeful organs, for which the Creator should receive due praise.
- Valstar, M.H. and 14 others, The tubarial salivary glands: A potential new organ at risk for radiotherapy, Radiotherapy and Oncology, 23 Sep 2020.
- Pappas, S., Scientists discover new organ in the in the throat; livescience.com, 20 Oct 2020.
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