saliva

Question 1

What is the function of saliva?

Answer 1

Lubricant- for mastication
Maintaining oral pH
Releasing digestive enzymes- salivary alpha amylase

Question 2

Types of secretion by salivary glands?

Answer 2

Serous secretion= alpha amylase for starch digetsion

Mucous secretion= mucins for lubrication of mucosal surfaces

Question 3

Parotid salivary gland

Answer 3

Serous secretions
supplied by CNV
external carotid, facial nerve and mandibular nerve pass through it

Question 4

Sublingual salivary gland

Answer 4

Generally mucinous

innervated via the chorda tympani

Question 5

Submandibular salivary gland

Answer 5

Both acinus and mucinous, innervated by the chorda tympani

Empties into the mouth by the sublingual papilae

Question 6

Factors affecting the composition and about of saliva produced

Answer 6

flow rate
sleep cycle
type and size of gland
diet
drugs
age
gender
time of day

Question 7

What defends the oral cavity?

Answer 7

The mucosa- physical barrier
Salivary glands- washes away food particles that bacteria may use as metabolic support
Palatine tonsils- act as “surveillance system” for the immune system
Lymphatics- surround the lymphatic system which contains a broad range of functional immune cells