Dictionary of Biological Psychology
Saliva is a clear fluid, without taste or odour, released from the salivary glands (the parotid, sublingual and submaxillary salivary glands—in the cheek near the ear, by the jaw and under the tongue respectively) in the MOUTH. It functions to keep the mouth moist and to lubricate food, such that it can be swallowed.
It is slightly acid and contains some enzymes (such as ptyalin) to begin the process of digestion (see ENZYME; DIGESTIVE SYSTEM). Salivation is one of the CEPHALIC REFLEXES OF DIGESTION, triggered by the sensory characteristics of food. Heightened states of general AROUSAL may also be associated with alterations (increases or decreases) in salivation.
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