Applied Physiology of the Salivary Glands

The major function of the salivary glands is to secrete saliva, which primarily contains the enzymes amylase and lysozyme, IgA and IgG antibodies, inorganic ions, and a variable quantity of mucus. Saliva has a crucial protective and digestive function within the upper aerodigestive cavity, providing mucosal lubrication and dental protection, facilitating taste and speech, initiating enzymatic digestion of carbohydrates, and contributing to oral immunity. This chapter describes the constituents (components) of saliva and discusses its various important functions. It also discusses the control of saliva secretion and the factors affecting its flow rates. In addition, this chapter explores the role of saliva in the development of certain disorders, including hyposalivation, xerostomia (dry mouth, pasties, cotton mouth), hypersalivation (pytalism, sialorrhea, sialism, sialosis), drooling, and paralytic secretion of saliva. Finally, this chapter also discusses the diagnostic applications of saliva.