Salivary Glands Flashcards
What is one function of saliva?
Lubricate food
Saliva aids in the swallowing process by moistening food.
What role does saliva play in oral hygiene?
Cleansing tissues
Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, promoting oral health.
Which enzyme in saliva begins the digestion process?
Amylase enzyme
Amylase breaks down starches into sugars.
Saliva is essential for digesting _______.
Starch
Saliva contains enzymes that initiate the digestion of carbohydrates.
What is a comfort-related function of saliva?
Keeping tissues moist for comfort and cell health
Moist tissues are crucial for overall oral comfort and health.
What are the three types of secretions?
- Serous
- Mucous
- Mixed
Serous secretions are thin and watery, mucous secretions are thicker and more viscous, and mixed secretions contain both types of cells.
What is the composition of serous secretions?
Proteins and glycoproteins
Serous secretions are characterized by their thin, watery consistency.
What enzyme do serous cells produce and what is its function?
Amylase
Amylase begins the breakdown of starch, marking the first stage of digestion.
What is the primary component of mucous secretions?
Mucins
Mucins are the primary substances in mucous secretions and contribute to its viscosity.
What is the role of mucous secretions in the oral cavity?
Lubricates and can form a surface barrier on tooth and structures
Mucous secretions provide lubrication and protection for oral tissues.
In mixed secretions, what does it mean when one type predominates the other?
One type will always predominate the other
Mixed secretions contain both serous and mucous cells, but one type will be more prevalent.
What do nodes do in the body?
Filter toxins
Nodes are part of the lymphatic system and help in removing harmful substances.
What is the primary function of glands?
Produce a secretion necessary for the body
Glands release hormones, enzymes, and other substances vital for various bodily functions.
What are the primary salivary stimulants?
Taste, Smell, Chewing/movement
These stimulants activate the salivary glands.
Which system controls the salivary glands?
The autonomic nervous system
This system regulates involuntary bodily functions, including salivation.
Fill in the blank: Salivary glands are controlled by the _______.
autonomic nervous system
True or False: Salivary glands are only stimulated by taste.
False
Salivary glands are also stimulated by smell and physical actions like chewing.
What are the major salivary glands?
Parotid Gland, Submandibular (Submaxillary) Gland, Sublingual Glands
These glands are responsible for saliva production and secretion.