Organic substance such as L-amylase (ptyalin), lingual lipase, kallikrein, lysozymes, small amounts of urea, uric acid, cholesterol, and mucin. While inorganic substances are Na, Cl, K and HCO3.
It is estimated that over 200 different proteins and peptides are contained in human saliva.
The two major proteins present in saliva are alpha-amylase and mucin. Salivary –amylase (ptyalin) is produced predominantly by the parotid glands, and mucin is produced mainly by the sublingual and submandibular salivary gland.
Many substances in blood serum are found in saliva. The salivary concentration of some of these is proportional to the serum concentration.
The major characteristics of saliva are:
*Its large volume relative to the mass of the salivary glands
*Its high potassium concentration
*Its low osmolarity
*The specialized organic materials it contains
Salivary secretion is stimulated by smell and taste. The regulatory centers are in pons in brain.
Composition of saliva
