Saliva Quiz (ODS Learning Outcomes)

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of immunoglobulins in saliva?

  • Aid in the disposal of bacteria (correct)
  • Neutralize acids in the mouth
  • Break down starches into sugars
  • Destroy harmful bacteria by lysis

Which enzyme in saliva begins the breakdown of cooked starches?

  • Lysozyme
  • Lactoferrin
  • Phosphatase
  • Amylase (correct)

What role does lactoferrin play in saliva?

  • Increases viscosity of saliva
  • Binds free iron to inhibit bacterial metabolism (correct)
  • Promotes remineralization of dental caries
  • Destroys bacteria by breaking down their cell wall

Which waste product in saliva helps to neutralize acids?

<p>Urea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is shared by muco-proteins and glycoproteins in saliva?

<p>Both provide a viscous consistency to saliva (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cells in saliva are part of the body's defense mechanism during inflammation?

<p>White blood cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of phosphatase in saliva?

<p>To aid in calculus formation and remineralization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do commensal bacterial cells contribute to oral health?

<p>By occupying space to prevent pathogenic bacteria (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of antibody in saliva is most effective in agglutinating bacteria?

<p>IgA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of ammonia in saliva?

<p>Urea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of saliva in the oral cavity?

<p>Lubricating and protecting soft tissues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of sympathetic stimulation on salivary flow?

<p>Reduces salivary flow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ions are primarily responsible for maintaining pH levels in saliva?

<p>Sodium and potassium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does saliva contribute to the digestion process?

<p>By initiating the breakdown of cooked starches (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can increase salivary flow?

<p>Mastication (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of the glycoproteins in saliva?

<p>Protecting against abrasion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the salivary glands?

<p>It enhances blood flow to the glands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gas component is found in higher levels in salivary glands and may relate to calculus formation?

<p>Carbon dioxide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT reduce salivary flow?

<p>Teething in babies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

A type of antibody found in saliva that helps protect against bacteria by clumping them together, preventing them from sticking to the mouth.

Lysozyme

An enzyme in saliva that destroys bacteria by breaking down their cell walls, causing them to burst.

Lactoferrin

A protein in saliva that binds to iron, making it unavailable for bacteria to use, thus hindering their growth.

Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that helps break down cooked starches into simpler sugars.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mucin

A viscous substance in saliva composed of mucoproteins and glycoproteins, giving saliva its sticky texture, which helps lubricate and protect the mouth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Urea

A waste product found in saliva that helps neutralize acids and maintain a balanced pH.

Signup and view all the flashcards

White Blood Cells

A type of white blood cell found in saliva that helps fight infection by engulfing and destroying harmful bacteria.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Commensal Bacterial Cells

Beneficial bacteria that live in the mouth and compete with harmful bacteria, preventing them from taking over.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Desquamated Epithelial Cells

Epithelial cells that are shed from the lining of the mouth as part of the body's natural renewal process.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phosphatase

An enzyme found in saliva that is involved in the formation of calculus and the remineralization of teeth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by the body that regulate various functions, including those related to saliva production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Glycoproteins

A key component in saliva, this protein forms a protective layer on tooth enamel, acting as a barrier against acids and protecting the soft tissues of the mouth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Salivary Amylase

A salivary component crucial for digesting cooked starches, breaking them down into smaller particles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Salivary Flow

This refers to the flow of saliva, which is essential for maintaining oral health.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Salivation

This refers to the process of producing saliva, a complex reflex involving sensory inputs and nerve signals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Parasympathetic Stimulation

The stimulation of salivary glands by the parasympathetic nervous system leads to increased saliva production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sympathetic Stimulation

Stimulation of salivary glands by the sympathetic nervous system leads to reduced saliva production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stimuli for Salivary Flow

The sight, smell, or taste of food can all trigger an increase in salivary flow.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Factors that Reduce Salivary Flow

Conditions like diabetes, alcohol consumption, and certain medications can lead to a decrease in salivary flow.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Organic Components of Saliva

  • Immunoglobulins (Ig): IgA, IgG, IgM; clump bacteria (agglutination) for removal.
  • Enzymes:
    • Lysozyme: destroys bacteria by disrupting their cell walls (lysis).
    • Lactoferrin: binds iron, inhibiting bacterial metabolism.
    • Lactoperoxidase: inhibits bacterial metabolism.
    • Amylase: begins starch digestion.
    • Ribonuclease: breaks down RNA.
    • Phosphatase: involved in calculus formation and caries remineralization.
  • Mucin: Proteins providing saliva's viscosity/stickiness (2 types).
    • Mucoproteins: >4% carbohydrate.
    • Glycoproteins: <4% carbohydrate.
  • Waste Products: Byproducts of cell metabolism.
    • Urea: neutralizes acids.
    • Uric acid.
    • Ammonia: formed from urea, raises pH.
  • Cells:
    • Desquamated epithelial cells: replaced constantly.
    • White blood cells: from gingival crevices; part of the body's defense.
    • Commensal bacteria: coexist symbiotically to prevent pathogens.
  • Food Debris: Remains of ingested food.
  • Hormones:
    • Estrogen and progesterone.

Inorganic Components of Saliva

  • Ions (mineral salts): maintain pH.
    • Sodium
    • Potassium
    • Magnesium
    • Chloride
    • Fluoride
    • Bicarbonate (buffer)
    • Sulphate
    • Hydrogen
  • Gas Components:
    • Oxygen
    • Nitrogen
    • Carbon dioxide (higher in salivary glands; possibly linked to calculus).

Functions of Saliva

  • Protection (salivary pellicle): Glycoproteins form a barrier to protect enamel from acid, lubricate and waterproof oral tissues. This helps protect against abrasion, aid speech and maintain healthy mucosa.
  • Cleansing: Serous saliva removes food and debris.
  • Buffering: Ions maintain pH unsuitable for bacterial growth.
  • Digestion: Amylase starts starch breakdown and assists in bolus formation.
  • Taste: Taste receptors detect soluble substances.
  • Antimicrobial: Proteins and Ig's destroy or prevent harmful bacteria.

Mechanism of Salivation

  • A reflex mechanism, triggered by stimuli like sight, smell, and taste.
  • Regulated by the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic).
    • Sympathetic: reduces flow via vasoconstriction.
    • Parasympathetic: increases flow via vasodilation.

Factors Affecting Salivary Flow

  • Increased Flow:
    • Mastication
    • Irritants
    • Gingival conditions
    • Hunger
    • Smell/sight of food
    • Teething
  • Reduced Flow:
    • Drugs
    • Diabetes
    • Alcohol
    • Fear
    • Radiotherapy
    • Surgery

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Oral Health and Composition of Saliva
18 questions

Oral Health and Composition of Saliva

NonViolentPolynomial avatar
NonViolentPolynomial
Saliva Composition and Function Quiz
5 questions

Saliva Composition and Function Quiz

UnwaveringAsteroid avatar
UnwaveringAsteroid
Saliva and Its Sources
5 questions

Saliva and Its Sources

BestPerformingBlue7038 avatar
BestPerformingBlue7038
Saliva Composition and Function
8 questions

Saliva Composition and Function

UnboundTulip avatar
UnboundTulip
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser