This high-yield revision note on Physiology of Saliva & Swallowing: High-Yield Notes covers everything examiners typically test under Physiology — structured as quick-reference tables, clinical correlations, mnemonics and previous-year-style high-yield points. It's built for last-mile revision before NEET MDS, INI-CET MDS and INBDE, so you can scan it in minutes instead of re-reading a whole textbook chapter.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Daily saliva volume | Approximately 500-1500mL/day (average ~1-1.5L); the submandibular gland provides the major contribution (~65-70%) at REST, while the parotid becomes dominant (~50%+) during STIMULATED flow |
| Composition | ~99% water; electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, and bicarbonate - the main buffering system); enzymes (salivary amylase/ptyalin for starch digestion, lingual lipase); antimicrobial components (lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory IgA, peroxidase) |
| Salivary pH | Resting pH is approximately 6.2-7.0, rising toward 7.4-8 with stimulated flow due to increased bicarbonate secretion (improved buffering capacity during eating) |
| Autonomic nerve supply | PARASYMPATHETIC stimulation (secretomotor) - via Facial nerve (VII, chorda tympani) for the submandibular/sublingual glands, and Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX, via the lesser petrosal nerve/otic ganglion) for the parotid; SYMPATHETIC stimulation produces thicker, more mucous-rich, lower-volume secretion |
| Swallowing (deglutition) phases | Oral phase (voluntary) → Pharyngeal phase (involuntary, ~1 second, epiglottis closes the airway, soft palate elevates to block the nasopharynx) → Esophageal phase (involuntary peristalsis) |
| Functions of saliva | Lubrication, digestion (amylase), buffering (bicarbonate - protects against caries), antimicrobial defense, taste facilitation, remineralization (a reservoir of calcium/phosphate/fluoride), and maintenance of oral mucosal integrity |
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