Abstract

Salivary glands are exocrine glands secreting saliva into the oral cavity. The primary function of the saliva is to protect andhydrate the mucosal structures of the oral cavity. The lubrication and hydration of the oral mucosa is provided by the watercontent of the saliva which forms approximately 99% of its composition. Aquaporins are water channels expressed in aciniof salivary glands and play an important role in formation of saliva. Aquaporins are transmembrane water permeable proteins involved in transcellular water flow. In addition to being permeable to water, some Aquaporins can be permeableto small solutes, including cations, glycerol and gases. The present article reviews the basic histology of salivary gland, its ductal system and also physiology of secretion of saliva and highlights the role of Aquaporins in saliva formation.

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