MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Sympathetic stimulation results in the release of noradrenaline, which acts upon alpha-and beta-adrenergic receptors. This results in the following effects: Decreased production of saliva by acinar cells. Increased protein secretion.

Detailed explanation-2: -Parasympathetic stimulation evokes a copious flow of saliva. In contrast, sympathetic stimulation produces either a small flow, which is rich in protein, or no flow at all.

Detailed explanation-3: -The parasympathetic system turns up the flow of saliva by releasing a chemical, acetylcholine, which stimulates the glands to make more saliva. If these glands get diseased, damaged, or affected by drugs, they may not make enough saliva, leading to dry mouth.

Detailed explanation-4: -Parasympathetic stimulation produces copious saliva of low protein concentration while sympathetic stimulation produces little saliva but of high protein concentration and may thus give a sensation of dryness (Carlson, 2000).

Detailed explanation-5: -Sympathetic innervation causes vasoconstriction, and parasympathetic innervation, from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), produces the secretion of saliva.