SMU Medical Journal

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Saliva is a thin substance produced in the mouths of humans and most animals. It is a component of mouth fluid. Saliva is produced by salivary glands: the parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands. Supplementary minor salivary glands also take part in the production of saliva. Human saliva consists of water, mucus, electrolytes, glycoproteins, enzymes, and antibacterial (secretory IgA and lysozyme). Daily production of saliva is 0.75-1.5 litres per day, insignificant salivary flow has been noticed throughout sleep. The saliva has some important functions; it contains enzymes (lipase, amylase or ptyalin) which start the process of digestion of dietary starches and fats.
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