| Watery solution produced by three
main group of glands within the mouth. These are: |
-
Parotid - (from greek parotis - near the ear) - mainly
serous (watery, may contain enzymes)
-
Submandibular - mainly serous with some mixed mucosals
(secretes mucous as well as electrolytes and water)
-
Sublingual - mainly mucous
|
| The amount of saliva secreted daily
can range from 1-1.5 l |
|
Main functions of saliva include:
-
to provide a fluid medium to dissolve the food and
to provide a lubricant to aid in chewing and swallowing;
-
to irrigate the mouth - keeping it moist and preventing
growth of infectious agents - saliva contains lysozyme, peroxidase
and IgA all of which have anti-bacterial/viral effects;
-
moisture is essential for clear speech;
-
secretes digestive enzymes (salivary amylase);
-
allows taste - moleculaes have to be dissolved to
be able to stimulate taste buds.
|
