Saliva + Swallowing

What is one function of saliva?

Moisten the mouth

Saliva begins the digestion of..

starch and fat in the mouth

How does saliva help maintain oral health?

cleanses teeth

Saliva helps inhibit…

bacterial growth

Why does saliva dissolve molecules in the mouth?

To stimulate the taste buds

What is the role of saliva in swallowing?

It moistens food and binds it together into a bolus to aid in swallowing.

What percentage of solutions consists of water in salvia?

97.0% to 99.5%

Saliva is made up of water and…

solutes

What is the function of salivary amylase in saliva?

an enzyme that begins starch digestion in the mouth

What is the role of lingual lipase in saliva?

An enzyme that is activated by stomach acid and digests fat after the food is swallowed

What is the function of mucus in saliva?

binds and lubricates the mass of food and aids in swallowing

What does lysozyme do in saliva?

An enzyme that kills bacteria

What is the role of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in saliva?

an antibody that inhibits bacterial growth

Which of the following are electrolytes found in saliva?

Na+, K+, Cl-, phosphate and bicarbonate (HCO₃-)

What is the normal pH range of saliva?

6.8 to 7.0

What are you swallowing?

Saliva + Food in a ball

The combination of saliva and food formed into a ball is called?

Bolus

What is the first step in swallowing?

Tongue compresses food to form a bolus

After formation, the bolus moves from the mouth to the….

Bolus —> Pharynx —> Esophagus

What happens at the upper esophageal sphincter?

It constricts and allows bolus to pass down

What process moves the bolus down the esophagus?

Peristalsis

What happens at the lower esophageal sphincter?

It relaxes, allowing the bolus to enter the stomach.

What is another name for swallowing food?

Deglutition