Salivary Gland Secretion

Salivary Gland Secretion

• Cells lining striated ducts reabsorb sodium and secrete potassium ions to modify the electrolyte composition of saliva.

Structure of Salivary Gland Acini

• Salivary gland acini are clusters of 10-20 secretory cells that produce saliva, surrounded by a basement membrane and myoepithelial cells.

Sympathetic Nerve Activity

• Sympathetic nerve activity stimulates salivary gland secretion, particularly the secretion of alpha-amylase from the parotid gland.

Saliva Composition

• Saliva tastes relatively salty compared to plasma because the cells lining the striated ducts reabsorb sodium ions, making saliva more salty.

Salivary Gland Structure and Function

• The smallest major salivary gland is the sublingual gland.
• The sublingual gland produces around 3-5% of salivary volume.
• The greater sublingual gland drains into the submandibular duct system.
• The minor salivary glands have their highest concentration in the oral cavity on the palate.

Parotid Gland

• The parotid gland is considered a mixed gland due to its serous and mucous secretions.
• The parotid (Stensen) duct enters the oral cavity through the buccal mucosa near the second maxillary molar.
• The parotid gland accounts for approximately 70% of salivary production.
• The parotid gland produces alpha-amylase, which begins the digestion of starches.

Test your knowledge about the structure and function of the salivary glands. Learn about mucous and serous cells, acini, ducts, and the secretion process in salivary glands.