Saliva Composition and Modification Quiz

The initial saliva produced by the acini, the secretory units of salivary glands, is similar in composition to blood plasma.

These are the tiny, grape-like structures within salivary glands that produce the initial saliva.

As primary saliva travels through the salivary ducts, sodium ions are actively absorbed into the duct cells, making the saliva less like plasma.

Potassium ions are actively secreted from the duct cells into the saliva, further modifying its composition.

Bicarbonate ions are secreted into the saliva to balance the charge created by sodium and potassium movement, making the saliva slightly alkaline.

Saliva starts breaking down carbs in your mouth thanks to an enzyme called salivary amylase.

Saliva protects your mouth by washing away food debris and harmful substances.

Saliva acts as a buffer, keeping your mouth's pH balanced.

The movement of your tongue and mouth rely on saliva for lubrication.

Saliva contains the enzyme salivary amylase which digests carbohydrates.

It's called a simple reflex because it's triggered by direct contact with food in your mouth.

This reflex starts with anticipation! Think about how your mouth waters when you see or smell delicious food.

This nerve has two roles: stimulating saliva production from parotid gland and sensing taste from the tongue.

The parasympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for controlling the salivary glands.

Sour taste and rough objects like a pencil can inhibit saliva production.

Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems stimulate salivary secretion, although the parasympathetic plays a more dominant role.

The parasympathetic nervous system produces more saliva, which is richer in enzymes, while the sympathetic produces smaller amounts of mucus-rich saliva.

Gastric glands are a type of tubular gland found in the stomach mucosa.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid produced by oxyntic glands in the stomach, essential for digestion.

Pepsinogen is an inactive enzyme produced by oxyntic glands, important for protein digestion.

Intrinsic factor, produced by oxyntic glands, is a protein essential for the absorption of Vitamin B12.

Mucus is secreted by both oxyntic and pyloric glands, protecting the gastric cells from HCl.

Gastrin, a hormone produced by pyloric glands, stimulates acid secretion and gastric motility.

A type of cell found in the stomach lining responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor.

A protein secreted by parietal cells into the stomach, essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.

A strong acid produced by parietal cells in the stomach, crucial for digestion and killing bacteria.

A type of cell in the stomach lining that secretes pepsinogen, a precursor to the digestive enzyme pepsin.

An inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin, secreted by peptic cells in the stomach.

Cells in the stomach lining that secrete mucus, a protective layer that shields the stomach from the corrosive effects of gastric acid.

A tiny space within the stomach lining that acts as a channel for the secretion of gastric juices.

Small hair-like projections that significantly increase the surface area of cells, enabling more efficient secretion of substances.

Pepsinogen, an inactive enzyme, is activated into pepsin in the stomach's acidic environment. Pepsin then further activates other pepsinogen molecules.

Intrinsic factor, produced by parietal cells in the stomach, facilitates the absorption of vitamin B12 in the ileum (small intestine).

A deficiency in vitamin B12 leads to megaloblastic anemia, a condition where red blood cells are abnormally large and immature.

Destruction of parietal cells in chronic gastritis can lead to achlorhydria (lack of HCl) and pernicious anemia, due to the inability to produce intrinsic factor.

Pyloric glands in the stomach contain mostly mucous cells that secrete a thick mucus, which lubricates food movement and protects the stomach lining from acidic chyme.

Gastrin, a hormone secreted by G cells in the pyloric glands, stimulates the production of gastric juice.

Mucus secreted by surface mucous cells in the stomach is alkaline, forming a protective barrier against the damaging effects of HCl.

The presence of proteins in the stomach stimulates the release of gastrin, which further enhances the production of gastric juice.

Enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cells) in the stomach release histamine, which plays a role in stimulating the release of gastric acid.

Pepsin, a digestive enzyme, breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptides in the stomach, initiating the process of protein digestion.

Saliva is a mixture of secretions produced by salivary glands, primarily the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. It's slightly alkaline (pH 6-7), and essential for oral health and the initial stages of digestion.

The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands and predominantly secrete a watery saliva called serous fluid, rich in an enzyme named salivary amylase.

Submandibular and sublingual glands produce a mix of serous fluid and mucus, a slippery substance that provides lubrication and protection in the mouth.

Salivary amylase, previously known as ptyalin, is an enzyme found in saliva, primarily produced by the parotid gland. It initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates like starch into simpler sugars.

The primary function of saliva is to lubricate food, aiding in swallowing and speech. It also cleanses the oral cavity, protects teeth, and starts the digestion of carbohydrates.

The salivary glands produce primary saliva, which is similar in composition to blood plasma. However, as it travels through the ducts, there are changes in electrolytes, with sodium being absorbed and potassium secreted.

Salivary secretion is a two-stage process. The acini, secretory units of salivary glands, produce the primary saliva. Then, as it flows through ducts, modification occurs due to active absorption and secretion of electrolytes.

The secretion of saliva is controlled by the nervous system. The sight, smell, or even thought of food can stimulate salivary glands (conditioned reflex). This is vital for initiating digestion.

Gastrin, a hormone produced by the stomach, stimulates gastric acid production. Secretin, produced by the duodenum, enhances the secretion of bicarbonate from the pancreas and liver.

Gastric juice is a cocktail of digestive fluids secreted by the stomach. It contains hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen, and intrinsic factor.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), a strong acid, is secreted by the stomach and plays a crucial role in activating pepsinogen, killing bacteria, and breaking down food.

Gastrin, a hormone primarily produced by the stomach, stimulates gastric acid production and gastric motility. It is released in response to food in the stomach and its release is enhanced by food containing protein.

Secretin, a hormone produced by the duodenum, plays a crucial role in regulating the secretion of digestive enzymes and bicarbonate from the pancreas and liver. It is released in response to acidic chyme entering the duodenum.