Teeth: Incisors & Canines for cutting and tearing food, Molars to mash (pulverize) food.

Salivary Glands: (1.5L Saliva per day, ≈7.0 Ph, 8.0 Ph during active secretion):

1. Salivary glands :

a.       Submandibular glands, 70% of saliva (serous-mucous)

b.      Sublingual glands, 5% of saliva (mucous)

c.       Parotid glands, 20% of saliva (serous)

d.      Minor glands, 5% of saliva

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2. Salivary composition:

a.       Slow Flow: isotonic → Na & Cl reabsorbed, K & Bi Carbonate (HCo3) Secreted in duct → hypotonic secretion.

b.      High Flow: Saliva osmolality approaches that of the plasma.

3. Salivary function:

a.       Ease swallowing.

b.      Maintain mouth moisture.

c.       Dissolves taste stimulating molecules.

d.      Initiates starch digestion.

e.       Keeps teeth clean.

f.        Neutralizes any reflux gastric acid due to its alkalinity.

4. Salivary enzymes:

a.       ∂-amylase (ptyalin) stimulates starch breakdown in mouth.

b.      Lingual lipase, glands on tongue, breaks fats down into fatty acids & monoglycerides.

5. Other Salivary secretions

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a.       Mucins

b.      Lysozymes

c.       Lactoferrin

d.      High praline proteins

e.       Immunoglobulin A (Ig A)

f.        Kallilrein

6. Regulation of salivation:

a.       Parasympathetic innervation.

b.      Sympathetic innervation.

c.       Reflex innervation.