Scope - Communication Resource Centre

Saliva Management

Glossary

Acetylcholine - A key chemical in nerve cells that acts as a messenger for transmitting nerve impulses across the body.

Acid Reflux/GORD - Commonly referred to as GORD, (Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease) a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the oesophagus, often creating a burning sensation for the individual

Amylase - An enzyme that helps to break starch down into sugar

Autonomic Nervous System - The autonomic nervous system automatically (without voluntary control) regulates the functioning of structures such as the heart, the smooth muscles (e.g., the muscles of the intestinal tract), and the glands.

Brainstem - The lowest part of the brain which merges with the spinal cord and sends and receives information from the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The brainstem influences basic processes such as alertness, breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Buccal Cavity - The area of the mouth outside the teeth while inside the inner cheek and lips.

Chemotherapy - A drug treatment given for cancer aimed at destroying the cancerous cells. It is usually a systemic treatment, meaning that the drugs flow through the bloodstream to nearly every part of the body.

Electrolyte - A substance that conducts the electrical current activity in the body.

Enzymes - Proteins that act to trigger or speed a specific chemical reaction

Facial Nerve (CNVII) - The seventh cranial nerve (nerve of the brain). It is responsible for supplying the muscles of facial expression, movement of the larynx in the throat and several salivary glands (submandibular, sublingual).

Glossopharyngeal Nerve CN IX - The ninth cranial nerve (nerve of the brain). It in responsible for supplying taste information from the tongue, movement of larynx and pharynx in the throat, and one of the salivary glands (the parotid gland).

Medulla - The lowest section of the brainstem.

Mucous - A viscous, slippery secretion produced by mucous secreting membranes and glands. Contains white blood cells, mucin and other substances.

Myelin - The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves.

Mylohyoid Muscle - A flat triangular muscle on each side of the mouth that connects and forms the floor of the mouth

Neurological - Referring to the nerves or the nervous system.

Parasympathetic Nerves - These nerves are the part of the Autonomic Nervous System that send impulses (messages) directed towards conserving and restoring the body's energy.

Parotid gland - The largest of the three major glands that produce saliva. It's location is in front and below the ear and behind the jaw bone.

Radiotherapy - The use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing. It is a local treatment that affects cancer cells only in the treated area.

Serous - A thin, watery fluid

Sjogren's Syndrome - An autoimmune disease in which exocrine (mucous-producing) glands become infected and inflamed, leading to gradual loss of lubrication throughout the body. Symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth and diseases of the connective tissues such as rheumatoid arthritis (a disease involving chronic inflammation of the joints).

Sublingual Gland - The smallest of the three major glands that produce saliva. It is located underneath the tongue in the floor of the mouth close to the midline.

Submandibular Gland - The second largest of the three major glands that produce saliva. It is located deep to the mandible (jaw bone).

Superior Salivatory Nucleus - Located in the medulla in the brainstem, it is the starting point of specific nerves. It contains nerve cell bodies that receive information from areas of the body and send impulses to the Submandibular and Sublingual glands.

Sympathetic Nerves - The nerves in the Autonomic Nervous System that prepare the body for an emergency. They send impulses (messages) to the heart and lungs, muscles of blood vessel walls, hair follicles, glands and digestive and reproductive organs.