Salivary Gland

Salivary Gland: structure, functions and regulation of salivary secretion

The Salivary Gland is a group of glands that are responsible for the production and release of saliva into the oral cavity. This liquid is essential for proper digestion and oral health. There are three pairs of major salivary glands in the human body: parotid, sublingual and submandibular.

The structure of the salivary gland

Each of the three pairs of salivary glands has its own specific structure. The parotid glands are located in front of the ears and secrete about 25% of the total saliva volume. The sublingual glands are located under the tongue and secrete approximately 5% of saliva. The submandibular glands are located under the lower jaw and secrete the remaining 70% of saliva.

Each salivary gland consists of many small glandular organs, which are connected by channels and merge into one common duct. This duct passes through the gland and opens into the oral cavity through small holes in the mucous membrane.

Functions of the salivary gland

One of the main functions of the salivary gland is the production of saliva. Saliva contains water, electrolytes, proteins, enzymes and other substances that help in digestion and protect the mouth from various infections.

The water contained in saliva moistens food and helps it pass through the esophagus. Electrolytes in saliva help maintain the correct balance of acids and alkalis in the mouth, which promotes healthy teeth and gums. Proteins and enzymes contained in saliva help begin the digestion process in the mouth, breaking down food into simpler components.

Regulation of saliva secretion

The secretion of saliva is controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system. The process of salivation occurs reflexively. The initiation of such a reflex action can occur under the influence of taste, smell, type of food or thoughts about it.

When we eat food, taste buds in the tongue and mouth determine the chemical composition of the food and transmit this information along nerve fibers to the brain. The brain, in turn, activates the secretion of saliva from the salivary glands. The parasympathetic nervous system increases saliva production, while the sympathetic nervous system decreases it.

conclusions

The Salivary Gland is an important organ responsible for the production and secretion of saliva, which plays an important role in digestion and protection of the oral cavity. Each of the three pairs of major salivary glands has a different structure and location, but they all function in a similar way. Regulation of salivary secretion occurs under the control of the autonomic nervous system and can be initiated by various factors, including taste, smell and type of food.

The salivary gland is an important organ for oral health and proper digestion. Various diseases and conditions can lead to disruption of the salivary glands, which can cause various problems, including dry mouth and problems with teeth and gums. Therefore, it is important to monitor your oral health and consult a doctor if you experience any unpleasant symptoms.

The salivary gland is a gland that produces saliva in the human body. Normally, the human body has three pairs of large salivary glands - parotid (parotis), sublingual (submandibularis) and submandibular (sublingualis). Saliva is the main function of these glands, and its production is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Salivation occurs reflexively, that is, it is initiated under the influence of certain stimuli, such as taste, smell, type of food or thoughts about it.

The salivary gland (lat. Glands salivarias) is one of many glands in the human body that is responsible for the secretion of saliva. A person has three large pairs of salivary glands: parotid, mental and sublingual (Fig. 1). The secretion of saliva is also influenced by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves (strong nutrition and digestion). The secretion of saliva is a reflex, which means that the reaction, the triggering of the reflex, occurs under the influence of internal organs or under certain external factors. These factors include how food tastes, smells, looks at food, and thinks about food.