Contents

Search

saliva

Physiology: - secreted into the oral cavity by salivary glands, especially parotid glands after parasympathetic stimulation - normal daily secretion: 1-2 liters - contains electrolytes, mucin, digestive enzymes including amylase Function: 1) protective oral cleanser with antibacterial action 2) buffer than inhibits demineralization 3) lubricant 4) transport medium to taste sensors 5) aids in chewing, swallowing, digestion & speech [3] Laboratory: - Electrolyte content: a) salivary Na+: 10 mmol/L b) salivary K+: 30 mmol/L c) salivary Cl-: 10 mmol/L d) salivary HCO3-: 30 mmol/L

Related

salivary gland salivary gland disease salivation sialorrhea; hypersalivation; ptyalism xerostomia (asialism, aptyalism, dry mouth, hyposalivation)

General

extracellular compartment (extracellular space) body fluid

References

  1. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. Fauci et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1998, pg 477
  2. Geriatrics Review Syllabus, American Geriatrics Society, 5th edition, 2002-2004
  3. Wilson M, Pandey S StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf. Aug 28, 2022 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560735/

Components

salivary bacteria