Saliva Flashcards
What are the inorganic components of saliva? (7)
- Na+
- Ca2+
- F-
- HCO3-
- PO4-
- Cl-
- H2O
What is the role of Ca2+ in saliva? (2)
- Maintains saliva is supersaturated
- Involved in the remineralisation of enamel
What is the role of F- in saliva?
Enamel protection
What is the role of HCO3- in saliva?
Buffers the saliva
What is the role of PO4- in saliva?
Involved in the remineralisation of enamel
99% of saliva is composed of what?
H2O
What is the role of crystatin in saliva?
Protease inhibitor
What is the role of histatin in saliva?
Antifungal activity
What is the role of lactoferrin in saliva?
Glycoprotein which removes iron from bacteria
What is the role of lysozyme in saliva?
Hydrolyses peptidoglycan
What is the role of statherin in saliva? (2)
- Inhibits CaPO4 precipitation
- Lubricant
Stimulation of which receptors causes stimulated saliva? (4)
- Gustatory receptors
- Mechanoreceptors
- Olfactory receptors
- Nociceptors
50% of stimulated saliva is produced by which gland?
Parotid gland
65% of unstimulated saliva is produced by which gland?
Submandibular gland
What is the flow rate of stimulated saliva?
1-2 mL/min
What is the flow rate of unstimulated saliva?
0.3-0.5 mL/min
What are the 2 types of saliva?
- Mucous
- Serous
Describe mucous saliva (3)
- Thick
- Viscous
- Rich in mucins
Describe serous saliva (3)
- Thin
- Watery
- Rich in ions and enzymes
Describe the saliva released from the parotid gland
- Serous
- Rich in amylase and antibodies
Describe the saliva released from the submandibular gland
Serous and Mucous mix
Describe the saliva released from the sublingual gland
More mucous than serous
Describe the saliva released from the minor glands
More mucous than serous
What is the optimum pH for saliva?
7.4
Name the functions of saliva (7)
- Digestion
- Buffer
- Immunological
- Mineralisation/Protection
- Taste enhancement
- Lubrication & Viscosity
- Bacterial adhesion
How does saliva help mineralise and protect your teeth?
Formation of salivary pellicle through calcium binding proteins
Describe the structure of intercalated ducts (2)
- Small
- Lined by cuboidal epithelium
Describe the Gustatory-salivary reflex
Increased salivary production in response to acidic agents
Describe the Masticatory-salivary reflex
Increased salivary production in response to chewing action
Describe the Olfactory (smelling)- salivary reflex
Increased salivary production in response to food smell
Which type of enamel is more susceptible to demineralisation?
Deciduous or Permanent
Deciduous
Name some causes of Xerostomia? (4)
- Drugs
- Age
- Diseases
- Radiation
State the salivary flow rates of someone with Xerostomia
Stimulated <0.5 mL/min
Unstimulated <0.1 mL/min
