Saliva and Salivary Glands

Question 1

What is the function of Saliva? (2)

Answer 1

1) Lubricant for swallowing, chewing and speech.

2) Oral Hygiene: Immunity, Wash and act as a buffer

Question 2

What is the optimum oral pH and salivary pH range?

Answer 2

Optimum: 7.2

Salivary pH range: 6.2-7.4

Question 3

Which 4 factors affect composition of Saliva?

Answer 3

Stimulus, Age, Gender, Drugs

Question 4

Is saliva described as hypo/hypertonic?

Answer 4

Hypotonic, as water reabsorption and ion secretion

Question 5

What type of Acini do parotid glands have in majroity?

Answer 5

Mainly serous acini

Question 6

What is serous acini secretion composed of? And how does it histologically stain

Answer 6

Alpha amylase –> To allow starch digestion

Dark staining

Question 7

What type of Acini do sublingual have in majority?

Answer 7

Mainly mucous acini

Question 8

What is mucous acini secretion composed of? And how does it histologically stain?

Answer 8

Mucin, for lubrication

Pale staining

Question 9

What type of Acini do submandibular have in majority?

Answer 9

Both

Question 10

Which of the main salivary glands is constantly active?

Answer 10

Submandibular

Question 11

Function and Epithelial lining of intercalated ducts?

Answer 11

1) Connect acini to larger striated ducts

2) Simple cuboidal

Question 12

How do salivary glands provide defence?

Answer 12

Wash away food particles that bacteria/viruses could use for metabolic support

Question 13

What ions are reabsorbed, released in striated ducts, and which organelle is abundant?

Answer 13

1) Na+ and Cl-
2) K+ and HCO3-
2) Mitochondria for active reabsorption of ions

Question 14

What is the importance of the striated duct basal membrane being highly folded?

Answer 14

It is folded into microvilli for the active transport of HCO3- against its concentration gradient.

Question 15

What ducts do striated ducts lead n to and what is their epithelial lining?

Answer 15

1) Interlobular (excretory) ducts

2) Simple columnar

Question 16

What is the parasympathetic innervation of each gland?

Answer 16

1) Parotid: CN 9 (Facial passes through for 5 terminal branches)
2) Sublingual: CN7
3) Submandibular: CN7

Question 17

What type of innervation stimulates salivary secretion?

Answer 17

Parasympathetic

Question 18

Which artery passes through the parotid gland?

Answer 18

External carotid

Question 19

What is the general anatomical structure of a salivary gland?

Answer 19

1) Acinar tissues around, with ducts that collect form large duct entering mouth
2) Contains channels/transports in apical/basolateral membranes to enable transport of fluid and electrolytes