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The two parotid glands are major salivary glands wrapped around the mandibular ramus in humans. [6] These are largest of the salivary glands, secreting saliva to facilitate mastication and swallowing, and amylase to begin the digestion of starches. [7] It is the serous type of gland which secretes alpha-amylase (also known as ptyalin). [8]
Saliva on a baby's lips. Saliva (commonly referred to as spit or drool) 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 lipase and amylase), and antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).
Of note is the diversity of the salivary glands. There are two types of salivary glands: Serous glands: These glands produce a secretion rich in water, electrolytes, and enzymes. A great example of a serous oral gland is the parotid gland. Mixed glands: These glands have both serous cells and mucous cells, and include sublingual and ...
The third pair are the sublingual glands located underneath the tongue and their secretion is mainly mucous with a small percentage of saliva. Within the oral mucosa, and also on the tongue, palates, and floor of the mouth, are the minor salivary glands; their secretions are mainly mucous and they are innervated by the facial nerve . [12]
The enzyme, released into the mouth along with the saliva, catalyzes the first reaction in the digestion of dietary lipid, with diglycerides being the primary reaction product. [1] However, due to the unique characteristics of lingual lipase, including a pH optimum 4.5–5.4 and its ability to catalyze reactions without bile salts , the ...
Seromucous glands (mixed) secrete both protein and mucus. Examples include the salivary glands: although the parotid gland (saliva secretion 25%) is predominantly serous, the sublingual gland (saliva secretion 5%) mainly mucous gland, and the submandibular gland (saliva secretion 70%) is a mixed, mainly serous gland.
Exocrine function: The primary role of salivary glands is to produce and secrete saliva into the oral cavity through ducts. This secretion is vital for various digestive processes, including moistening food to aid in swallowing , breaking down complex carbohydrates through the enzyme amylase , and providing lubrication for speech and mastication .
In animals, it is a major digestive enzyme, and its optimum pH is 6.7–7.0. [3] In human physiology, both the salivary and pancreatic amylases are α-amylases. The α-amylase form is also found in plants, fungi (ascomycetes and basidiomycetes) and bacteria .