Functions of Saliva Flashcards
What is saliva?
a product of a number of glands present within and around the oral cavity
- can be classified as major or minor glands
What are major saliva glands?
Paired and exist away from the oral cavity, draining into the cavity via a long duct
–> Exocrine glands
What are minor saliva glands?
Present throughout the mucosa of the oral cavity - identified histologically
What are salivary glands innervated by?
Innervated by parasympathetic neurones carried in a number of cranial nerves
What are the 3 main types of salivary glands and what type of secretion do they have?
- Parotid gland = serous secretion
- Submandibular gland = mixed secretion
- Sublingual gland = mainly mucous secretion
Where is the parotid gland?
Largest of the paired salivary glands. Sits beside the ear, drains into the vestibule via the parotid duct.
Where is the submandibular gland?
Sits under the jaw (mandible). Drains into the floor of the mouth under tongue.
Where is the sublingual gland?
Paired gland, present beneath the tongue. Drains directly into the oral cavity via a number of small ducts.
What are the 8 functions of saliva?
- Digestion
- Mineralisation
- Antimicrobial
- Buffering
- Lubrication
- Agglutination
- Gustation
- Hydration
What is the digestive function of saliva?
Digestive enzymes present in saliva - amylase, mucins, lipases
What is the mineralisation function of saliva?
Proteins within saliva produce a protective layer and assist in mineralisation of teeth
What is the antimicrobial function of saliva?
Many saliva compounds can kill bacteria e.g. amylase, mucins
What is the buffering function of saliva?
A delicate pH balance is needed to assist with digestion and protect the teeth.
Carbonic anhydrase = a buffer
What is the lubrication function of saliva?
Saliva coats mucosa of the oral cavity
What is the agglutination function of saliva?
Bacteria present in the oral cavity is trapped in saliva
