Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following electrolytes is NOT typically found in saliva?
Which of the following electrolytes is NOT typically found in saliva?
- Sodium
- Barium (correct)
- Chloride
- Bicarbonate
Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in saliva?
Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in saliva?
- Lipase
- Lysozyme
- Amylase (correct)
- Peroxidase
Which of the following immunoglobulins is commonly found in saliva?
Which of the following immunoglobulins is commonly found in saliva?
- IgA (correct)
- IgD
- IgF
- IgE
What is the primary function of lysozyme in saliva?
What is the primary function of lysozyme in saliva?
Which of the following molecules is NOT typically found in saliva?
Which of the following molecules is NOT typically found in saliva?
What is the primary effect of neurotransmitters on acini and intercalated ductal cells?
What is the primary effect of neurotransmitters on acini and intercalated ductal cells?
What is the characteristic of saliva secreted during parasympathetic stimulation?
What is the characteristic of saliva secreted during parasympathetic stimulation?
Which type of salivary gland is the main contributor to stimulated saliva?
Which type of salivary gland is the main contributor to stimulated saliva?
What is the typical daily production of saliva?
What is the typical daily production of saliva?
What is the primary factor that maintains the pH of saliva near neutrality?
What is the primary factor that maintains the pH of saliva near neutrality?
What is the characteristic of stimulated saliva compared to unstimulated saliva?
What is the characteristic of stimulated saliva compared to unstimulated saliva?
Which type of salivary gland is responsible for secreting a mix of serous and mucous secretions?
Which type of salivary gland is responsible for secreting a mix of serous and mucous secretions?
What is the primary function of sympathetic nerve stimulation in salivary glands?
What is the primary function of sympathetic nerve stimulation in salivary glands?
What is the primary mechanism of salivary protein secretion in the absence of stimulation?
What is the primary mechanism of salivary protein secretion in the absence of stimulation?
Which of the following is a function of mucin in saliva?
Which of the following is a function of mucin in saliva?
What is the primary function of salivary amylase?
What is the primary function of salivary amylase?
Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva?
Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva?
What is the primary mechanism of regulated salivary secretion?
What is the primary mechanism of regulated salivary secretion?
What is the primary function of salivary buffering capacity?
What is the primary function of salivary buffering capacity?
Which of the following is a function of the apical secretory membrane of salivary cells?
Which of the following is a function of the apical secretory membrane of salivary cells?
What is the primary function of salivary lipase?
What is the primary function of salivary lipase?
What is the primary function of mucin in saliva?
What is the primary function of mucin in saliva?
In which part of the cell does the carbohydrate addition and modification of secretory proteins occur?
In which part of the cell does the carbohydrate addition and modification of secretory proteins occur?
What is the process by which salivary glands secrete saliva?
What is the process by which salivary glands secrete saliva?
What is the consequence of a deficiency in salivary secretion (xerostomia)?
What is the consequence of a deficiency in salivary secretion (xerostomia)?
Where are secretory proteins initially synthesized?
Where are secretory proteins initially synthesized?
What is the term for the fusion of the secretory granule membrane with the apical cell membrane?
What is the term for the fusion of the secretory granule membrane with the apical cell membrane?
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in secretory protein synthesis?
What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in secretory protein synthesis?
What is the final step in the secretion of saliva?
What is the final step in the secretion of saliva?
Study Notes
Composition of Saliva
- Saliva contains electrolytes such as calcium, phosphate, fluoride, sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and iodine.
- Secretory proteins and enzymes in saliva include mucin, amylase, lipase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidase, proline-rich protein, histatin, and cystatin.
- Small organic molecules present in saliva are glucose, fatty acids, amino acids, urea, and uric acids.
- Immunoglobulins found in saliva are IgA, IgG, and IgM.
- Other components of saliva include cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-binding proteins and serum albumin.
Pathways of Salivary Secretion
- Salivary secretion occurs through multiple pathways, including:
- Constitutive and constitutive-like pathways (resting secretion between meals)
- Minor regulated secretory pathway (response to low levels of stimulation)
- Major regulated secretory pathway (response to stimulation)
Functions of Saliva
- Protection:
- Mechanical washing action flushes away food debris and bacterial toxins
- Lubricant saliva forms a protective barrier against noxious stimuli and microbial toxins
- Salivary proteins form the salivary pellicle, a protective membrane
- Washing and buffering action limit the action of acidogenic plaque bacteria
- Buffering:
- Salivary proteins and bicarbonate, phosphate ions limit the action of acidogenic plaque bacteria and enamel demineralization
- Saliva interferes with optimal pH required for growth and colonization of micro-organisms
- Digestion:
- Mechanical: bringing food bolus into solution for swallowing
- Chemical: action of amylase enzyme digests starch into glucose and maltose
- Action of lipase enzyme digests triglycerides into diglycerides and fatty acids
Regulation of Salivary Secretion
- Parasympathetic stimulation:
- Results in secretion of profuse watery saliva
- Induces myoepithelial cell contraction
- Sympathetic stimulation:
- Results in secretion of intermittent thick viscid fluid
- Enhances contraction of myoepithelial cells
Normal Saliva
- Daily production: 0.5-1.5 liters
- Unstimulated salivary flow rate: 0.3-0.4 ml/min
- pH of saliva: 6.7-7.3
- Resting pH of saliva: not below 6.3
Stimulated and Unstimulated Saliva
- Unstimulated saliva: mix of serous and mucous secretions from submandibular and minor salivary glands
- Stimulated saliva: mainly from parotid gland
- Stimulated saliva accounts for more than 60% of daily salivary production
- pH of stimulated saliva: more alkaline than unstimulated saliva
Composition of Saliva
- Electrolytes: calcium, phosphate, fluoride, sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and iodine
- Secretory proteins and enzymes: mucin, amylase, lipase, lysozyme, lactoferrin, peroxidase, proline-rich protein, histatin, and cystatin
- Small organic molecules: glucose, fatty acids, amino acids, urea, and uric acid
- Immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, and IgM
- Other components: cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-binding proteins and serum albumin
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the various components of saliva, including electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, and other molecules. Test your knowledge of the different substances present in saliva.