The slightly alkaline fluid that is secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and the mucous membranes lining the mouth. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which helps to break
down carbohydrates (see digestive system). Saliva keeps the mouth moist, lubricates food to aid swallowing, and facilitates the sense of taste.
The ?uid secreted by the SALIVARY GLANDS into the mouth. The ingestion of food stimulates saliva production. Saliva contains mucus and an ENZYME known as PTYALIN, which changes starch into dextrose and maltose (see DIGESTION); also many cells of di?erent types. About 750 millilitres are produced daily.
The principal function of saliva is to aid in the initial processes of digestion, and it is essential for the process of mastication (chewing), whereby food is reduced to an homogeneous mass before being swallowed. In addition, the ptyalin in the saliva initiates the digestion of starch in the food.
An excessive ?ow of saliva known as salivation occurs as the result of taking certain drugs. Salivation also occurs as the result of irritation in the mouth – as for instance, in the teething child – and from DYSPEPSIA. De?ciency of saliva is known as XEROSTOMIA.
n. the alkaline liquid secreted by the *salivary glands and the mucous membrane of the mouth. Its principal constituents are water, mucus, buffers, and enzymes (e.g. amylase). The functions of saliva are to keep the mouth moist, to aid swallowing of food, to minimize changes of acidity in the mouth, and to digest starch. See also dry mouth. —salivary adj.
The production of too much saliva. Excess salivation sometimes occurs during pregnancy. Other causes include mouth problems such as irritation of the mouth lining, gingivitis, or mouth ulcers; digestive tract disorders such as peptic ulcers and oesophagitis; and nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. In some cases, it may be reduced by anticholinergic drugs.... salivation, excessive
a gland that produces *saliva. There are three pairs of salivary glands: the *parotid glands, *sublingual glands, and *submandibular glands (see illustration). They are stimulated by reflex action, which can be initiated by the taste, smell, sight, or thought of food.... salivary gland
n. the secretion of saliva by the salivary glands of the mouth, increased in response to the chewing action of the jaws or to the thought, taste, smell, or sight of food. A small but regular flow of saliva is maintained to promote cleanliness in the mouth even when food is not being eaten. See also ptyalism.... salivation
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