Saliva

Saliva commonly covered to as spit is an extracellular fluid shown and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth. In humans, saliva is 98% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells from which DNA can be extracted, enzymes such(a) as lipase and amylase, antimicrobial agents such(a) as secretory IgA, & lysozymes.

The enzymes found in saliva are necessary in beginning a process of digestion of dietary starches and fats. These enzymes also play a role in breaking down food particles entrapped within dental crevices, thus protecting teeth from bacterial decay. Saliva also performs a lubricating function, wetting food and permitting the initiation of swallowing, and protecting the oral mucosa from drying out.

Various animal bird's nest soup. Cobras, vipers, andother members of the venom clade hunt with venomous saliva injected by fangs. Some caterpillars hit silk fiber from silk proteins stored in modified salivary glands.

Composition

Produced in salivary glands, human saliva comprises 99.5% water, but also contains many important substances, including electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds and various enzymes.