Hello, friends from around the world. It's a pleasure to be here again and share my knowledge. It was good to know more about the salivary glands and their importance.
| 🤤 What are the salivary glands and what is their classification? |
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The salivary glands can be defined as the exocrine glands which are responsible for the production of saliva. This salivary glands are classified into two main types.
Major salivary glands: These include the sublingual, parotid, and submandibular glands. The sublingual glands are located under the tongue, and the parotid glands are the most important and largest, which produce up to 50% of saliva. The last is the submandibular glands, which are found below the jaw.
Minor salivary glands: these are at the upper aerodigestive tract.
The saliva, which is produced by the salivary glands, aids chewing, swallowing, and speech. With saliva, the risks of gum diseases, infections, and cavities can be reduced. The salivary glands produce saliva that helps in the regulation of the pH balance in the mouth.
| 🤤 What is the function of the salivary glands? |
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Here are the various functions of the salivary glands.
The salivary glands are responsible for the production of saliva, which helps to moisten,n food, thereby making it easier to swallow. The saliva also contains an enzyme, amylase, that helps the stomach break down starches. Saliva is also a good lubricant for the throat and mouth, helping to facilitate our speech.
The saliva is good in protecting the teeth from bacteria which are capable of causing cavities. The saliva is also made up of an iconic compound that buffers acids produced by bacteria. With saliva, the taste of humans and other living creatures becomes excellent through the aqueous medium saliva has.
| 🤤 What are the elements that makeup saliva, and what is the route from its production to the oral cavity? |
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The saliva is made up of a lot of elements. Let's begin with water; 99% of saliva is covered by water. The saliva also has an element, which is the electrolytes, which contain potassium, magnesium, calcium,m, and sodium. The saliva also has easy, which are one of the major elements that form the saliva, enzymes like lipase and Alyse,e which boost chemical reactions.
Saliva has proteins like defensins, statins, and proline-rich proteins. The saliva also contains immunoproteins, which are cells that combat bacteria and other invaders of the organs. Another element is the mucus and antimicrobial agents, which are secretory IqA and lysozyme; they help prevent fungi, viruses, and bacteria from destroying hormones. The saliva also contains the white blood and epithelial cells which are mostly used in the extraction of DNA.
| 🤤 What pathologies can occur in the salivary glands? |
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There are a lot of pathologies which can occur in the salivary glands:
Viral infection: these infections are mainly caused by mumps or human immunodeficiency virus HIV. They sometimes go on their own.
Benign tumors: these tumors are most often removed via surgery. In some cases, radiation treatments can be administered after the surgery to make sure that the tumor doesn't return.
Salivary stones: this is a condition that happens when stones form in the salivary glands, which leads to the blockage of saliva flow.
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Happy New Year to you all.