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saliva

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Saliva is a clear, viscous fluid that is produced in the mouth. It is composed of water, mucus, enzymes, and electrolytes. Saliva is essential for a variety of functions, including:

  • Moisturizing the mouth and throat: Saliva helps to keep the mouth and throat moist, which prevents them from drying out. This is important for speaking, swallowing, and breathing.
  • Protecting the teeth: Saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. It also contains enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, which makes them less cariogenic (cavity-forming).
  • Digestion: Saliva contains enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This makes it easier for the body to digest food.
  • Speech: Saliva helps to lubricate the vocal cords, which makes it easier to produce speech.
  • Taste: Saliva helps to dissolve food particles, which allows the taste buds to detect the flavours of food.
  • Immunity: Saliva contains white blood cells that help to fight off infection.

Saliva is produced by salivary glands in the mouth. There are three pairs of salivary glands: the parotid glands, the submandibular glands, and the sublingual glands. The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands and are located in front of the ears. The submandibular glands are located below the jaw, and the sublingual glands are located under the tongue.

Saliva is produced continuously, but the amount of saliva produced increases when we eat or chew. This is because the act of chewing stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva.

Saliva is a vital fluid that plays a role in many important functions. It is important to keep the mouth moist and clean and to help with digestion and speech. Saliva also helps to fight off infection and to detect the flavours of food.

How can the word be used?

The patient's saliva was dry, which was a sign of dehydration.

saliva

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • a clear, viscous fluid produced in the mouth that moistens food for swallowing and helps to keep the mouth clean.

Etymology

The word "saliva" comes from the Latin word "saliva", which means "spit".

The first recorded use of the word "saliva" in English was in the 14th century.

The word "saliva" is a Latin word, and it is related to the Italian word "saliva" and the Spanish word "saliva".

Question

Why do we produce saliva?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the role of saliva in the digestive process and its importance in maintaining oral health.

Answer:

Saliva plays a crucial role in the digestive process and oral health. It is produced by the salivary glands and contains various components that aid in digestion and protect the mouth. One of its primary functions is to begin the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates through the enzyme amylase, which starts the digestion of starches into simpler sugars like maltose. This initial breakdown in the mouth facilitates further digestion in the stomach and small intestine.

Moreover, saliva moistens and lubricates food, making it easier to swallow and facilitating its movement through the digestive tract. Saliva also contains antibacterial compounds and enzymes that help maintain oral hygiene by combating harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of infections, and promoting the remineralisation of tooth enamel.

In addition to its digestive role, saliva contains antibodies and immune cells that contribute to the body's defence against pathogens, enhancing overall immunity. Furthermore, saliva helps maintain the pH balance in the mouth, preventing tooth decay and cavities.

In conclusion, saliva is a multifunctional fluid essential for both digestion and oral health. Its enzymes initiate carbohydrate digestion, while its antimicrobial properties and immunological components play a vital role in maintaining a healthy oral environment and supporting overall immunity.