16 Questions
What percentage of saliva by volume is secreted by the submaxillary or submandibular glands?
70%
Which of the following is NOT a function of saliva?
Increases fermentation of dietary carbohydrates
What is the total volume of saliva produced per day by the salivary glands?
1-1.5 liters
What is the main composition of the initial fluid secreted by the acinar cells?
Isotonic NaCl solution
Which salivary gland produces 5% of saliva by volume?
Sublingual gland
What is unique about the structure of serous acini compared to mucus acini?
Serous acini have a different structure than mucus acini
What is the function of the main excretory duct of each gland?
To empty into the mouth
What is the pH of stimulated saliva?
Alkaline
What is the primary function of salivary amylase?
Break down starch into maltose
What is the role of lysozyme in saliva?
Antibacterial properties
What is the function of saliva in facilitating taste?
Dissolve food for taste
What is the consequence of not thoroughly chewing a dry soda cracker?
Food is difficult to swallow
What is the primary function of salivary immunoglobulins?
Disable bacteria and viruses
What is the role of Cl- in saliva?
Activate salivary amylase
What is the consequence of lacking lysozyme in saliva?
Increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections
What is the primary function of saliva in relation to the teeth?
Wash the teeth to keep them clean
Study Notes
Salivary Functions
- Saliva has four important functions: softening and moisturizing food, facilitating digestion of starch, enhancing taste, and providing defense against bacteria and viruses.
Salivary Glands
- There are three pairs of major salivary glands and many minor salivary glands that produce approximately 1-1.5 liters of saliva per day.
- The three pairs of major salivary glands are:
- Parotid glands (25% of saliva by volume)
- Submaxillary or submandibular glands (70% of saliva by volume)
- Sublingual glands (5% of saliva by volume)
- Minor salivary glands include:
- Lingual Mucus Glands
- Lingual Serous Glands
- Buccal Glands (molar glands)
- Labial Glands
Structure of Salivary Glands
- Salivary glands are exocrine glands with secretory epithelium arranged in grape-like clusters of cells called acini.
- Each acinus surrounds a duct, and individual ducts join to form larger ducts.
- The main excretory duct of each gland empties into the mouth.
Composition of Saliva
- Saliva is a hypotonic solution with relatively low concentrations of Na+ and Cl-, but with excess concentrations of Ca2+ and I-.
- Saliva contains significant amounts of mucus and is alkaline when stimulated, helping to neutralize acids.
Mechanisms of Salivation
- The production of saliva is a two-step process.
- The initial fluid secreted by the acinar cells resembles extracellular fluid in its ionic composition, an isotonic NaCl solution.
This quiz covers the functions of saliva, components of saliva secreted by each pair of salivary glands, mechanisms of secretion of serous saliva, control of salivary secretion, structure and functions of the oesophagus, and processes of swallowing.
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