Salivary Glands Quiz: Secretions and Control Flashcards

What is the main function of saliva?

How is salivary secretion primarily controlled?

What is the significance of saliva being hypotonic compared with plasma?

How does the sympathetic branch influence salivary composition?

What is a key role of saliva in aiding speech?

Which phase of salivary secretion is quantitatively the most significant?

What controls the secretion of pancreatic juice?

How are the digestive enzymes in the pancreas discharged into the pancreatic ducts?

What raises the pH of the duodenal contents to 6.0-7.0?

What is the primary function of saliva in the digestive process?

How are most digestive enzymes in pancreatic juice initially released?

What enzyme in the pancreas is released as an inactive precursor known as trypsinogen?

Which organ produces saliva?

Which secretion is important for gastrointestinal function and arises from the liver?

What are the constituents of saliva that help protect the oral cavity?

Which pair of salivary glands produce saliva that drains into the oral cavity?

What is the role of amylase in the digestive process?

Which of the following glands do NOT play a role in salivary secretion?

Salivary Secretion and Digestion

The primary function of saliva is to aid in the digestion of food, particularly carbohydrates, and to protect the oral cavity.

Control of Salivary Secretion

Salivary secretion is primarily controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system.
The sympathetic branch influences salivary composition, making it thicker and more viscous.

Characteristics of Saliva

Saliva is hypotonic compared to plasma, which aids in the digestion of carbohydrates.
Saliva contains constituents such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins that help protect the oral cavity.

Salivary Glands

The salivary glands that produce saliva are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.
The parotid and submandibular glands produce saliva that drains into the oral cavity.

Role of Saliva in Digestion

The primary function of saliva in the digestive process is to break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
Amylase, an enzyme found in saliva, breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
A key role of saliva in aiding speech is to lubricate the oral cavity, allowing for smooth articulation and pronunciation.

Digestion and Pancreatic Juice

The secretion of pancreatic juice is controlled by the vagus nerve and the hormone cholecystokinin.
Digestive enzymes in the pancreas are discharged into the pancreatic ducts via the process of exocytosis.
The pancreas releases trypsinogen, an inactive precursor to trypsin, which is activated in the small intestine.
Pancreatic juice is released in response to the presence of food in the small intestine.
The release of bicarbonate from the pancreas raises the pH of the duodenal contents to 6.0-7.0.

###Liver Function

The liver produces bile, which is important for gastrointestinal function and arises from the liver.

Regulation of Digestion

Most digestive enzymes in pancreatic juice are initially released in an inactive form to prevent autodigestion.
The duodenum plays a role in regulating the pH of the digestive tract and activating digestive enzymes.

Test your knowledge about the secretions of salivary glands, including the differences in proteinaceous and mucinous components. Explore the control mechanisms of salivary secretion, which is primarily influenced by neural factors.