Saliva

Question 1

What are the inorganic components of saliva? (7)

Answer 1

• Na+
• Ca2+
• F-
• HCO3-
• PO4-
• Cl-
• H2O

Question 2

What is the role of Ca2+ in saliva? (2)

Answer 2

• Maintains saliva is supersaturated

- Involved in the remineralisation of enamel

Question 3

What is the role of F- in saliva?

Answer 3

Enamel protection

Question 4

What is the role of HCO3- in saliva?

Answer 4

Buffers the saliva

Question 5

What is the role of PO4- in saliva?

Answer 5

Involved in the remineralisation of enamel

Question 6

99% of saliva is composed of what?

Answer 6

H2O

Question 7

What is the role of crystatin in saliva?

Answer 7

Protease inhibitor

Question 8

What is the role of histatin in saliva?

Answer 8

Antifungal activity

Question 9

What is the role of lactoferrin in saliva?

Answer 9

Glycoprotein which removes iron from bacteria

Question 10

What is the role of lysozyme in saliva?

Answer 10

Hydrolyses peptidoglycan

Question 11

What is the role of statherin in saliva? (2)

Answer 11

• Inhibits CaPO4 precipitation

- Lubricant

Question 12

Stimulation of which receptors causes stimulated saliva? (4)

Answer 12

• Gustatory receptors
• Mechanoreceptors
• Olfactory receptors
• Nociceptors

Question 13

50% of stimulated saliva is produced by which gland?

Answer 13

Parotid gland

Question 14

65% of unstimulated saliva is produced by which gland?

Answer 14

Submandibular gland

Question 15

What is the flow rate of stimulated saliva?

Answer 15

1-2 mL/min

Question 16

What is the flow rate of unstimulated saliva?

Answer 16

0.3-0.5 mL/min

Question 17

What are the 2 types of saliva?

Answer 17

• Mucous

- Serous

Question 18

Describe mucous saliva (3)

Answer 18

• Thick
• Viscous
• Rich in mucins

Question 19

Describe serous saliva (3)

Answer 19

• Thin
• Watery
• Rich in ions and enzymes

Question 20

Describe the saliva released from the parotid gland

Answer 20

• Serous

- Rich in amylase and antibodies

Question 21

Describe the saliva released from the submandibular gland

Answer 21

Serous and Mucous mix

Question 22

Describe the saliva released from the sublingual gland

Answer 22

More mucous than serous

Question 23

Describe the saliva released from the minor glands

Answer 23

More mucous than serous

Question 24

What is the optimum pH for saliva?

Answer 24

7.4

Question 25

Name the functions of saliva (7)

Answer 25

• Digestion
• Buffer
• Immunological
• Mineralisation/Protection
• Taste enhancement
• Lubrication & Viscosity
• Bacterial adhesion

Question 26

How does saliva help mineralise and protect your teeth?

Answer 26

Formation of salivary pellicle through calcium binding proteins

Question 27

Describe the structure of intercalated ducts (2)

Answer 27

• Small

- Lined by cuboidal epithelium

Question 28

Describe the Gustatory-salivary reflex

Answer 28

Increased salivary production in response to acidic agents

Question 29

Describe the Masticatory-salivary reflex

Answer 29

Increased salivary production in response to chewing action

Question 30

Describe the Olfactory (smelling)- salivary reflex

Answer 30

Increased salivary production in response to food smell

Question 31

Which type of enamel is more susceptible to demineralisation?
Deciduous or Permanent

Answer 31

Deciduous

Question 32

Name some causes of Xerostomia? (4)

Answer 32

• Drugs
• Age
• Diseases
• Radiation

Question 33

State the salivary flow rates of someone with Xerostomia

Answer 33

Stimulated <0.5 mL/min

Unstimulated <0.1 mL/min