Salivation
Salivation
Salivation (/ˌsælɪˈveɪʃən/) is the process of producing and secreting saliva from the salivary glands in the mouth. It is an essential part of the digestive process and plays a crucial role in the maintenance of oral health.
Etymology
The term "salivation" is derived from the Latin word "salivare", which means "to produce saliva".
Function
Salivation serves several important functions in the body. It helps in the initial stages of digestion by moistening food and making it easier to swallow. Saliva also contains enzymes that begin the breakdown of food. In addition, it helps to cleanse the mouth and prevent tooth decay by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.
Related Terms
- Saliva: The fluid produced and secreted by the salivary glands. It contains water, electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes.
- Salivary Glands: The glands located in and around the mouth and throat that produce saliva.
- Digestion: The process by which food is broken down into simple substances that can be absorbed and used by the body.
- Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Disorders
There are several disorders related to salivation, including xerostomia (dry mouth), sialorrhea (excessive salivation), and sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Salivation
- Wikipedia's article - Salivation
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