Salivary Secretion and its Functions

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to salivary secretion, including its composition, functions, regulation mechanisms, and associated disorders.

Salivary Secretion

The process and composition of saliva produced by the salivary glands.

Ptyalin

An α-amylase found in saliva that helps in the digestion of starch.

Hypotonic Saliva

Saliva that has a lower concentration of solutes compared to blood plasma.

Xerostomia

A condition characterized by dry mouth due to low salivary secretion.

Sialorrhea

A condition of excessive salivary secretion.

Salivary Glands

Glands in the mouth that produce saliva, including the parotids, submandibulars, and sublinguals.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter that stimulates salivary secretion by acting on muscarinic receptors.

Norepinephrine (NE)

A neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic nervous regulation of salivary secretion.

Function of Saliva

Includes digestion, lubrication, antibacterial action, and aiding in taste and speech.

Regulation of Salivary Secretion

Primarily controlled by neural influences, including parasympathetic and sympathetic systems.

Lysozyme

An antibacterial enzyme in saliva that cleaves bacterial cell walls, maintaining oral health.

Lactoferrin

An antibacterial protein in saliva that binds iron and prevents bacterial growth.

Haptocorrin

A protein in saliva that protects vitamin B12 from degradation by low pH.

Sialic Acids

Important components of salivary mucus that enhance lubrication and protection.

Conditioned Reflex

A learned response which can stimulate salivation upon the sight or smell of food.

Salivary Secretion Disorders

Conditions such as Sjogren syndrome and radiotherapy that impact saliva production.

Volume of Saliva

Typically ranges from 1000 to 1500 ml per day.

Composition of Saliva

Consists of 99.5% water and 0.5% solids including electrolytes, enzymes, and proteins.

pH of Saliva

Typically ranges from 6.0 to 7.0.

Primary Salivary Secretion

An initial isotonic secretion rich in NaCl produced by acinar cells.