Saliva

Recap

  • Outcome 7

    • Enamel
    • Dentin
    • Pulp

  • Outcome 8

    • Cementum
    • Periodontal Ligament (PDL)
    • Alveolar Bone

  • Outcome 9 - Objectives 9.3-9.8

    • Salivary Glands
    • Lymphatic System
    • Mucous Membranes

Mucous Membrane

  • Definition: Epithelial tissue that lines a body cavity opening to the outside of the body.
    • Composed of stratified squamous cells.
    • Contains keratinized and non-keratinized areas.
  • Structure:
    • Sits on a connective tissue layer.
    • Separated from the connective tissue by a basement membrane.

Pretest Questions

  • Question 1: The area used most during the mastication of food, covering the gingiva and hard palate:
    a) Masticatory mucosa
    b) Lining mucosa
    c) Specialized mucosa

  • Question 2: The mucous membrane found in the regions of the taste buds on the dorsum of the tongue:
    a) Masticatory mucosa
    b) Lining mucosa
    c) Specialized mucosa

  • Question 3: Covers the inner surfaces of the lips, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, the underside of the tongue, the soft palate, and the alveolar mucosa:
    a) Masticatory mucosa
    b) Lining mucosa
    c) Specialized mucosa

  • Question 4: A thin layer of calcified connective tissue covering the tooth from the CEJ to and around the apical foramen:
    a) Masticatory mucosa
    b) Cementum
    c) Alveolar bone
    d) Interdental papillae

  • Question 5: Occupies the interproximal area between 2 adjacent teeth in health:
    a) Cementum
    b) Gingival Sulcus
    c) Interdental papillae
    d) Lining mucosa

  • Question 6: The crevice of space between the free gingiva and the tooth:
    a) Gingival sulcus
    b) Free gingival groove
    c) Col
    d) Lining mucosa

  • Question 7: A shallow linear groove that demarcates the free gingiva from the attached gingiva:
    a) Gingival sulcus
    b) Free gingival groove
    c) Col
    d) Specialized mucosa

The Normal Periodontium

I. Gingiva
A. Free Gingiva (Marginal Gingiva)
B. Gingival Sulcus (Crevice)
C. Interdental Gingiva (Interdental Papilla)
D. Junctional Epithelium
E. Attached Gingiva
F. Mucogingival Junction
G. Alveolar Mucosa

Oral Mucous Membranes and Salivary Glands

Gland Properties

  • A gland is a structure producing a secretion necessary for normal body functioning.

  • Exocrine Gland:

    • A gland with a duct associated with it.
    • Duct: A passageway for glandular secretions to be emptied directly into the location of use (Fehrenbach and Popowics, 2020).

  • Endocrine Gland:

    • A ductless gland that conveys its secretions directly into the blood to distant locations.

  • Motor Nerves: Associated with both gland types to help regulate secretion flow.

  • Sensory Nerves: Also present in glands (Fehrenbach and Popowics, 2020).

Salivary Glands

  • Function: Produce saliva which:
    • Lubricates and cleanses the oral cavity.
    • Aids digestion through enzymatic processes.
    • Maintains tooth surface integrity via remineralization.
  • Classification: Salivary glands are classified as either major or minor (Bird & Robinson, 2021).

Salivary Gland Properties

  • Saliva Composition: Contains minerals, electrolytes, proteins, buffers, enzymes, immunoglobulins (secretory IgA), and metabolic wastes.
  • Secretion Control: Governed by the autonomic nervous system.
  • Benefits of Saliva:
    • Lubricates and protects oral mucosa from dryness and carcinogens due to mucins and glycoproteins (Fehrenbach and Popowics, 2020).

Two Types of Saliva

  • Serous Saliva:

    • Watery
    • Mainly protein

  • Mucous Saliva:

    • Very thick
    • Mainly carbohydrate

Major Salivary Glands

  • Parotid Salivary Gland:

    • Provides 25% of total salivary volume.
    • Saliva passes through Stensen’s duct into the mouth.

  • Submandibular Salivary Gland:

    • Provides 60-65% of total salivary volume.
    • Saliva released via Wharton’s duct, ending in sublingual caruncles.

  • Sublingual Salivary Gland:

    • Provides only 10% of total sal