Session 3- Saliva Flashcards
What are the main three functions of saliva?
Lubrication, protection and digestion
How does saliva help with lubrication?
The mucus content of saliva helps lubricate food for swallowing and also helps with speech
How does saliva provide protection?
Has a cooling affect (protects from hot food/fluid), washes away debris between teeth, has antibacterial properties (lysozymes and lactoferrin)
How does saliva help with digestion?
Contains salivary amylase to help digest carbohydrates and lingual lipase to help with fat digestion
What are the three salvias glands?
Parotid, sublingual, submandibular
Which salivary gland provides the most saliva?
Submandibular
Which of the salivary glands are fully mucous, fully serous and which one is mixed?
Serous- parotid
Mucous- sublingual
Mixed- submandibular
Is saliva most hypotonic at rest or during activity?
At rest, lower flow rate so more time with ductal cells
What nerves supply parasympathetic innervate on to the salivary glands?
Parotid- glossopharangeal
Submandibular and sublingual- facial nerve
Wha are some consequences when there is pathology preventing efficient production of saliva?
Infections, tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath)
What are the three phases of swallowing?
Oral, pharyngeal, oesophageal
What happens in the oral stage of swallowing?
Preparation of the bolus and movement of the bolus to the oropharynx by the tongue
What happens during the pharyngeal stage of swallowing?
Soft palate elevates to protect the nasopharynx, larynx elevates to close epiglottis, vocals cords addict and there is relaxation of the upper oesophageal sphincter
What happens during the oesophageal phase of swallowing?
The upper oesophageal sphincter closes and rapid peristalsis in the oesophagus ensues
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty swallowing
