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Dutch scientists have discover...

WTF?

Dutch scientists have discovered a new organ in our throats

Jonathan Duane
Jonathan Duane

04:33 21 Oct 2020


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There you go.

Scientists have discovered a new organ in the throat, almost by accident, while they were looking for prostate cancer cells.

Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute have found a new set of glands, which are thought to lubricate the upper throat.

Previously experts thought there were only microscopic salivary glands inside the area behind the nose.

But they've now found a new set that are around 1.5 inches - around 3.9 centimetres - in length.

The surprise discovery was made by using CT scans and positron emission tomography called PSMA PET-CT.

To confirm their discovery, the scientists, led by radiation oncologist Wouter Vogel, examined 100 patients and found all of them had the glands.

They also looked at two cadavers and found that they had them too. This all means that it's fairly likely that we all have them.

Writing in the Journal of Radiotherapy and Oncology, the researchers said the newly-found glands are likely to be used to lubricate the upper throat behind the nose and mouth.

ANn in case you're wondering, they've been named the 'tubarial salivary glands'.


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