EXTRA L2- salivary glands & swallowing

Question 1

What happens if there is an increase in the flow rate / production of saliva by the acinar cells?

Answer 1

• as the flow rate increases, the saliva become less hypotonic - has greater osmolality (no of solutes per kg)
• the concentration of Na+ and Cl- increases

Question 2

What are the different types of papillae?

Answer 2

1. Filiform papillae
2. fungiform papillae (mushroom shaped)
3. Foliate papillae (lateral tongue)
4. Vallate papillae most taste buds)

Question 3

What are the different types of taste receptors?

Answer 3

• salty: Na+ channels
• sour: protons / h+ions
• unami : glutamate receptor
• bitter: K+ channels / G protein coupled receptor
• sweet: specific G protein coupled receptor