Introduction

Abstract

Saliva, crucial to the function and protection of the oral cavity, has recently become also a "diagnostic fluid." Protein composition and function of saliva are altered during disease, allowing it to become a medium in detection of many systemic illnesses. Furthermore, its safe and noninvasive collection makes saliva an ideal specimen over blood. To appreciate the role of salivary proteomics in predicting disease, saliva's production, composition, and excretion in health must be understood. A summary of salivary gland anatomy, histology, saliva formation, and secretion is reviewed in this chapter.