Podcast
Questions and Answers
Stimulation of which part of the nervous system results in increased salivary flow?
Stimulation of which part of the nervous system results in increased salivary flow?
- Central nervous system
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Somatic nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system (correct)
Which of the following is NOT an organic component of saliva?
Which of the following is NOT an organic component of saliva?
- Immunoglobulins
- Lysozyme
- Urea
- Fluoride (correct)
Which of these is a primary function of salivary amylase?
Which of these is a primary function of salivary amylase?
- Breakdown of proteins
- Neutralization of acids
- Breakdown of fats
- Breakdown of carbohydrates (correct)
What is the primary role of mucins in saliva?
What is the primary role of mucins in saliva?
Which of the following is NOT a factor that can increase salivary flow?
Which of the following is NOT a factor that can increase salivary flow?
What is the key mechanism by which bicarbonate in saliva aids in protecting teeth?
What is the key mechanism by which bicarbonate in saliva aids in protecting teeth?
How does saliva facilitate taste perception?
How does saliva facilitate taste perception?
What is the primary role of immunoglobulins in saliva?
What is the primary role of immunoglobulins in saliva?
Flashcards
What are the organic components of saliva?
What are the organic components of saliva?
These proteins, enzymes, and immunoglobulins help lubricate the mouth, break down starches, and fight infections.
What are the inorganic components of saliva?
What are the inorganic components of saliva?
These ions are essential for maintaining the right pH, strengthening teeth, and protecting against decay.
How does saliva protect our oral tissues?
How does saliva protect our oral tissues?
The salivary pellicle is a protective layer formed by saliva that acts as a barrier against acids and abrasion. Saliva also aids in speech by lubricating the mouth.
How does saliva help maintain the balance of pH?
How does saliva help maintain the balance of pH?
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How does saliva contribute to digestion?
How does saliva contribute to digestion?
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How does saliva play a role in fighting infections?
How does saliva play a role in fighting infections?
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How does saliva help us taste food?
How does saliva help us taste food?
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How does saliva contribute to the health of our teeth?
How does saliva contribute to the health of our teeth?
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Study Notes
Saliva Composition and Function
- Saliva is primarily water (99.5%) with a small amount of solids (0.5%).
- Organic components include mucins (lubrication), enzymes (amylase for starch, lysozyme for bacteria, lactoferrin), immunoglobulins (antimicrobial), waste products (urea, ammonia, uric acid), and cells (epithelial, white blood cells, bacteria).
- Inorganic components include ions like calcium, phosphate (remineralization), bicarbonate (buffering), fluoride (resistance to decay), sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium.
Saliva Functions
- Protection: Forms a pellicle protecting enamel, lubricates oral tissues, aiding speech.
- Buffering: Bicarbonate maintains pH balance, preventing extreme acidity.
- Digestion: Salivary amylase begins starch breakdown.
- Antimicrobial: Immunoglobulins and enzymes like lysozyme inhibit bacteria.
- Taste: Dissolves food particles, enabling taste perception.
- Tooth integrity: Calcium and phosphate aid remineralization, strengthening enamel.
Salivation Mechanism
- Stimuli: Salivation is triggered by sensory inputs like sight, smell, and taste.
- Nervous control:
- Parasympathetic: Increases saliva production when relaxed or eating (vasodilation).
- Sympathetic: Decreases salivation during stressful situations (vasoconstriction).
Factors Impacting Salivary Flow
- Increased Flow: Stimulated by chewing, irritants, hunger, or the sight/smell of food.
- Decreased Flow: Medications (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants), diabetes, alcohol, stress, radiotherapy, or surgery can decrease salivation.
- Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): Results from decreased flow, causing difficulty swallowing, dental caries, and oral infections.
- Hypersalivation: Excessive saliva production due to irritants, gingival conditions or teething.
Additional Saliva Components
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Enzymes: Amylase(ptyalin), maltase, lingual lipase, lysozyme, phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase, kallikrein.
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Other Organic Substances: Mucins, albumins, proline-rich proteins, lactoferrin, blood group antigens, free amino acids, nitrogenous substances (urea, uric acid, creatinine, xanthine).
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Inorganic Substances: Sodium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, bromide, chloride, fluoride, phosphate.
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Gases: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen.
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Note: Glucose is typically absent in saliva but may be present in individuals with diabetes.
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