Understanding Pathophysiology, 6e
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780323354097
Author: Sue E. Huether RN PhD, Kathryn L. McCance RN PhD
Publisher: Elsevier Science
expand_more
expand_more
format_list_bulleted
Question
Chapter 35.1, Problem 1QC
Summary Introduction
To explain: The functions of saliva.
Concept introduction: Saliva is a fluid substance formed in the mouths of animals. It is produced by the three pairs of salivary gland - sublingual, parotid, and submandibular glands. Saliva is composed of more than 99% water and less than 1% solids.
Expert Solution & Answer
Explanation of Solution
Major functions of saliva
- Saliva facilitates the digestion of carbohydrate in the mouth through the enzymatic action of the enzyme salivary amylase which breaks down the polysaccharide into disaccharide (maltose).
- It aids in the swallowing process by providing lubrication due to the presence of mucus.
- Saliva can act as a solvent for the molecules that activate taste-buds.
- Saliva consists of immunoglobulin A, mucin, and other antimicrobial substances that function to prevent many infections.
- The concentration of bicarbonate in saliva maintains a pH of around 7.4 that can neutralize the bacterial acids. Thus, it prevents tooth decay.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Chapter 35 Solutions
Understanding Pathophysiology, 6e
Knowledge Booster
Recommended textbooks for you
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BiologyISBN:9780134580999Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. HoehnPublisher:PEARSONBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781259398629Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa StouterPublisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)BiologyISBN:9780815344322Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter WalterPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyLaboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781260159363Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, CynthiaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)BiologyISBN:9781260231700Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael WindelspechtPublisher:McGraw Hill Education
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:PEARSON
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781259398629
Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa Stouter
Publisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9780815344322
Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Laboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biology
ISBN:9781260159363
Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, Cynthia
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.
Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)
Biology
ISBN:9781260231700
Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael Windelspecht
Publisher:McGraw Hill Education