Saliva

• Saliva begins chemical digestion and moistens food


  secretion regulated by autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• Salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates


  infants secrete salivary lipase to break down lipids in breastmilk
• Bicarbonate and phosphate ions buffer


  acidic foods
• IgA and lysozyme prevent


  microbial infection in mouth
• Histostatin helps


  speed wound healing