Lecture Notes: Salivary Glands

Overview

• Salivary Glands: Essential for secreting saliva, which moistens and begins the digestion of food.
• Saliva Composition:
  • Not just water; thicker due to enzymes and mucus.
  • Moistens food particles.
  • Contains enzymes for digestion, like glycogen and starch.
  • Contains bicarbonate ions to maintain pH balance, critical for digestion and dental health.

Major Salivary Glands

• Parotid Glands
  • Largest salivary glands.
  • Secrete a serous saliva containing amylase.
  • Located near the ear, over the masseter muscle and ducts through the buccinator.
• Submandibular Glands
  • Located on the floor of the mouth below the mandible (lower jaw bone).
  • Secrete a mix of serous and mucus fluids.
• Sublingual Glands
  • Located under the tongue.
  • Primarily secrete mucus.

Secretory Cells

• Serous Cells
  • Produce watery fluid with the digestive enzyme salivary amylase.
  • Salivary amylase breaks down starch (a polysaccharide) into glucose.
  • Initial digestion of starchy foods like potatoes and pasta begins in the mouth.
• Mucosal Cells
  • Secrete mucus.
  • Binds and lubricates food particles for easier swallowing.

Anatomy & Location

• Parotid Gland
  • Near the masseter muscle and ear.
  • Duct travels through buccinator muscle.
• Submandibular and Sublingual Arrangement
  • Sublingual glands are under the tongue.
  • Submandibular glands are beneath the mandible.
  • Both have ducts that support moisture and function in the mouth.

Conclusion

• Importance of different salivary glands in digestion initiation.
• Future content will cover the pharynx and esophagus.