Which type of saliva increases during meals to aid digestion and lubrication?

• A. Stimulated saliva
• B. Resting saliva
• C. Night saliva
• D. Mucus

Answer: (A)

During meals, saliva production ramps up to lubricate the mouth and begin digestion, driven by parasympathetic signals from taste and chewing. This increase is the stimulated saliva.

Stimulated saliva is produced in larger volumes and is more watery and enzyme-rich than resting saliva. This higher flow brings more bicarbonate to help buffer acids and more salivary amylase to start breaking down starches, while also providing the lubrication needed to form a smooth bolus for swallowing.

Resting saliva, by contrast, is produced at a lower baseline level and is less watery. Night saliva is the reduced flow that occurs during sleep. Mucus is not a separate type tied to meals; saliva does contain mucins, but the increase during meals specifically refers to stimulated saliva.