CHAPTER IV. 

 DISEASES OF THE SALIVARY GLANDS. 



Examination. — 1. The glands can be examined by palpa- 

 tion for: (a) Enlargements (cysts, abscesses, tumors, etc.); 

 (b) inflammations; (c) wounds; (d) fistulae. 



2. The character and the amount of the secretions. The 

 normal secretion is a mixture of secretions from the parotid, 

 submaxillary, sublingual and the mucous glands of the mouth. 

 It is a thin, slightly viscid, opalescent fluid, having a feeble 

 alkalin reaction and a specific gravity of 1005-1008. 



An increase in the salivary secretion is noticed in the follow- 

 ing conditions: The different forms of stomatitis; dentition; 

 chorea by reason of the increased masticatory movements; 

 gastric ulcers; nausea; helminthiasis; severe pain; direct nerve 

 stimulation either central or peripheral; uremia; mercurial 

 poisoning; drugs such as pilocarpin which produce direct 

 stimulation to the secretory nerve. 



The secretion of saliva is diminished in the following 

 conditions: During the course of fevers (pneumonia, septic 

 fever, etc.); after the use of atropin or belladonna; fright 

 and excitement ; severe diarrheas ; cirrhosis of the liver when 

 ascites is developing; atrophy of the salivary glands. 



PAROTITIS. 



Mumps. 



Definition.— An acute or chronic inflammation of the 

 parotid gland. 



Etiology.— Mechanical.— Direct injuries to the gland by 

 being run over by vehicles; struck with stones; kicks, etc.; 

 pulling back when tied and the collar injuring the gland or 

 by being caught in a door. 



Chemical.— The internal administration of potassium iodid 

 in too large doses or the absorption of iodin from local appli- 



