Control of Secretion and Age Factor (p. 316) Flashcards
1
Q
How is the secretion of saliva controlled?
A
Through the parasympathetic nervous system
2
Q
How does the parotid gland change with age?
Other glands?
A
Produces less saliva, and the remaining saliva that is secreted by the other glands is not enough to keep the mouth moist.
3
Q
Dry mouth, aka
A
Xerostomia
4
Q
Xerostomia, aka
A
Dry mouth
5
Q
What are some symptoms of xerostomia?
A
- Mild dryness to severe discomfort
- Inability to speak or swallow
- More susceptible to bacteria
6
Q
What can cause xerostomia?
A
- Medication
- Cancer therapy
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Nerve damage
- Other conditions
7
Q
What medications can cause xerostomia?
A
- Several hundred
- Major groups = Antihypertensives, antidepressants
- Analgesics, tranquilizers, diuretics, and antihistamines can also cause dry mouth
8
Q
How does cancer therapy cause xerostomia?
A
- Chemotherapeutic drugs can change flow/composition of saliva
- Radiation on/around the salivary glands can cause temporary/permanent damage
9
Q
What is Sjorgen’s Syndrome?
A
Autoimmune disease, causes xerostomia and dry eyes
10
Q
How can nerve damage cause xerostomia?
A
- Trauma to head/neck from surgery/wounds can damage the nerves that supply sensation to the mouth
- Glands may be intact, but for them to function normally, they need the nerves to signal them to produce saliva
11
Q
What other conditions may cause xerostomia?
A
- Bone marrow transplants
- Endocrine disorders
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Alzheimer’s
- Strokes and nutritional deficiencies
