300897 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Parotid Gland, Facial Nerve, Palpation
Document Summary
Humans have three paired major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) as well as hundreds of minor salivary glands. In serous secetion, the main type of protein secreted is alpha-amylase, an enzyme that breaks down strach into maltose and glucose, whereas in mucous secretion the main protein secreted is mucin, which acts as a lubricant. In humans, between 0. 5 and 1. 5 litres of saliva are produced every day. The secretion of saliva (salivation) is mediated by parasympathetic stimulation; acetylcholine is the active neurotransmitter and binds to muscarinic receptors in the glands, leading to increased salivation. The two parotid gland are major salivary glands wrapped around the mandibular rams in humans. These are largest of the salivary glands, secreting saliva to facilitate mastication and swallowing, and amylase to begin the digestion of starches. It is the serous type of gland which secretes alpha-amylase (also known as ptyalin).
