Physiology of Salivary Gland

Question 1

what is the amount of salivary secreted per day? Remember it is hypotonic and the pH is 6.8 - 7

Answer 1

1500ml/day

Question 2

What are the major constituents of saliva?

Answer 2

water, electrolytes, enzymes, high in potassium and HCO3-

Question 3

when is saliva not high in HCO3-?

Answer 3

at low secretion rates

Question 4

what are the names of the three salivary glands?

Answer 4

parotid, submandibular and sublingual

Question 5

what are the characteristics of the parotid gland?

Answer 5

watery, serous, clear secretions (about 25%), it contains electrolytes and ptyalin which is a digestive enzyme.

Question 6

what are the characteristics of submandibular glands?

Answer 6

mixed secretions and made up 70% of the saliva

Question 7

what are the characteristics of sublingual glands

Answer 7

mucous and produce mucins only.

Question 8

what does buccal glands produce?

Answer 8

mucins

Question 9

what are the functions of the salivary glands?

Answer 9

1. moistens mouth
2. aids speech
3. chewing and swallowing
4. maintains oral hygiene due to bactericidal properties
5. contains substances such as calcium and Floride
6. decrease in calcium loss from teeth and incorporate F-
7. dilutes and neutralizes acids, buffers and sudden pH