Saliva - the secret of large and small salivary glands and small glands mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The saliva of a person consists of water (99%) and dissolved organic and inorganic substances; she wets food, contributing to the formation of a food lump. In the saliva is dissolved a number of nutrients, so they operate on the taste buds.
The adult person, per day is allocated about 1.5 liters of saliva. Saliva contains digestive enzymes, in particular amylase (see). In saliva are microorganisms, cells sladenkogo epithelium, leucocytes. Organic matter saliva - mainly proteins, including albumin, globulins, lysozyme. The latter has antibacterial properties. The quantity and quality of saliva varies depending on the nature of food, physiological state of the organism, age. Pathological processes in the salivary glands (see Cialdini, Sialolithiasis) and a number of common diseases of the body can cause a decrease in the secretion of saliva, in this connection there is a dryness in the mouth (see Xerostomia). The changing composition of saliva is one of ultrasonic reasons for the formation of Tartar; limitation of saliva secretion is enhanced defeat of teeth caries. Cm. also Salivation.