Functions Of Saliva

Functions Of Saliva

Composition and functions of saliva.
Answer:

Saliva Functions:

1. Lubrication of food.

• Mucin present in saliva lubricates the food and aids in mastication.

2. Appreciation of taste.

• Saliva dissolve the food particles which stimulate the taste buds.

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3. Digestive function.

1. Salivary amylase.
   • Converts starch into dextrin and maltose.
2. Maltase
   • Converts maltose into glucose.
3. Lingual lipase.
   • Converts triglycerides into fatty acid and diacylglycerol.

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4. Excretion.

• Saliva excretes substances like mercury, potassium, iodide, lead and thiocyanate.

5. Cleansing action.

• Saliva washes off the food residues, bacteria and desquamated epithelial cells.

6. Regulation of water balance.

• Saliva regulates water balance by decreasing its secretion when the body water content decreases.
• This induces thirst.

7. Regulation of pH balance.

• Proline rich proteins present in saliva maintain oral pH at 7.0.

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8. Protective.

• Lysosyme kills bacteria.
• IgA- protects against bacteria and virus.
• Lactoferrin – Bacteriostatic.

9. Speech.

• Saliva moisten and lubricate the soft parts of mouth and lips and aids in speech.