Saliva


a watery secretion in the mouth produced by the salivary glands that aids in the digestion of food. Saliva also serves to moisten and cleanse the mouth, including the tongue and teeth, and contains substances that can play a role in the prevention of infection. Saliva aids digestion by moistening food and contains enzymes that begin the digestion process. Also known as spit.

Read Also:

  • Salivary gland

    A gland in the mouth that produces saliva. The salivary glands can become inflamed, as in Sjogren’s syndrome and mumps.

  • Salk Institute

    Molecular biology and genetics, and The neurosciences. Among the conditions under study at the Institute are AIDS, Alzheimer disease, birth defects, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, Parkinson disease, and the function of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

  • Salk vaccine

    Vaccine against poliomyelitis named for Dr. Jonas Salk who developed and introduced it in 1955. It was the first type of polio vaccine to become available. It was made by cultivating three strains of the virus separately in monkey tissue. The virus was separated from the tissue, stored for a week, and killed with formaldehyde. […]

  • Salmon safety

    Feed contaminant. Most salmon sold in U.S. supermarkets and restaurants are farmed and labeled Atlantic salmon.

  • Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis: Definition

    Salmonellosis. For more information, please read MedicineNet’s Salmonella article.


Disclaimer: Saliva definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.