saliva
Sign in to savethumb|Saliva on a baby's lips Saliva (commonly referred to as spit, drool or slobber) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth. In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as lingual lipase and amylase), and antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).
AI overview
Saliva is a fluid produced by glands in your mouth that is mostly water mixed with various useful substances like enzymes, mucus, and antimicrobial agents. It plays important roles in your body, including breaking down food, protecting your mouth from bacteria, and even providing material for DNA identification.
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Article
19 sectionsContents
- Composition
- Daily salivary output
- Functions
- Lubricant
- Digestion
- Role in taste
- Disease diagnosis
- Other
- Production
- Behavior
- Spitting
- Glue to construct bird nests
- Wound licking
- Classical conditioning
- Making alcoholic beverages
- Substitutes
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|Saliva on a baby's lips Saliva (commonly referred to as spit, drool or slobber) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth. In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as lingual lipase and amylase), and antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).
The enzymes found in saliva are essential in beginning the process of digestion of dietary starches and fats. These enzymes also play a role in breaking down food particles trapped within dental crevices, thus protecting teeth from bacterial decay. Saliva also performs a lubricating function, wetting food and permitting the initiation of swallowing, and protecting the oral mucosa from drying out.