What is the function of the salivary glands?
Quick Answer
The salivary glands exist to produce saliva, a fluid that plays important roles in digestion, pH balance and hygiene. Salivary glands also play an important role in thermoregulation for some other animals, such as dogs. According to About.com, most species possess three distinct pairs of salivary glands, known as the parotid, sublingual and submaxillary glands.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Salivary glands are primarily composed of one of two types of cells. Serous cells secrete watery fluids, while mucous cells secret thick, mucous-like fluids. About.com states that the parotid glands are primarily comprised of serous cells, while the sublingual glands are primarily composed of mucous cells. The submaxillary glands, which produce a saliva with characteristics of both water and mucous, are made from both types of cells.
According to About.com, the autonomic nervous system controls both the quantity of saliva produced and the relative mixture of the two types. The body can alter the consistency and composition of the saliva in response to stimuli. For example, dogs that are fed dry food tend to produce serous saliva. By contrast, when dogs eat meat-based, wet food, their saliva is predominately mucous-based.
Saliva is very important for digestion, as it is the first step in the process of digesting starches. Additionally, according to About.com, saliva helps to keep the mouth clean.
Learn more about Glands & HormonesRelated Questions
-
Q:
What is sweat made of?
A: Sweat, also called perspiration, is a fluid produced by the sweat glands made up of water, minerals, lactate and urea. The minerals that make up sweat can ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the functions of gastric juice?
A: Gastric juices are secreted from glands lining the stomach and function to break down food in the stomach and kill bacteria, according to the resource webs... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the function of mammary glands?
A: The function of mammary glands is to provide nourishment for offspring by producing milk for the infant to ingest. The number of mammary glands can vary fr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the major function of the sweat glands?
A: Sweat glands are positioned deep inside the skin, and their primarily function is temperature regulation. The two types of sweat glands are the apocrine an... Full Answer >Filed Under:
