Which is more in stimulated saliva as compared to unstimulated saliva?
**Core Concept**
Saliva production is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, with the parasympathetic branch predominantly stimulating salivary glands to produce more saliva. Unstimulated or resting saliva is mainly produced by the submandibular and sublingual glands, whereas stimulated saliva is produced by all major salivary glands.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Stimulated saliva has a higher concentration of enzymes, particularly amylase, than unstimulated saliva. This increase in enzyme concentration is due to the increased parasympathetic stimulation of the salivary glands, which leads to the release of more acinar cells and a higher rate of enzyme synthesis. The parasympathetic stimulation also increases the secretion of water and electrolytes, resulting in a higher volume of stimulated saliva.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify any particular characteristic of stimulated saliva that is more pronounced than in unstimulated saliva.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it suggests that stimulated saliva has a lower concentration of enzymes, which is the opposite of what is true.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it does not provide any information about the characteristics of stimulated saliva.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The parasympathetic stimulation of salivary glands is mediated by the release of acetylcholine, which binds to muscarinic receptors on the surface of acinar cells, increasing the secretion of enzymes and water.
**Correct Answer:** C. Enzyme concentration