Total parotid flow was segregated from extra-parotid output and four paired collections were made from 63 systemically healthy young adult males. Samples were collected without exogenous stimulation and at three levels of gustation-induced flow. Whole saliva flow rate increased from 0.218 to 1.858 to 2.783 to 3.005 ml./min. as the various stimulants were employed. The percentage contribution of the parotid glands to whole saliva volume at these rates of flow increased from 32.9% to 40.7% to 47.2% and to 50.4%, respectively. Thus, the parotids exert their least significant effect upon the characteristics of whole saliva when flow is at what is generally described as the unstimulated level. Flow rate responses to the different collection procedures have been outlined to the degree that the descriptive statistics might be employed as baselines for comparison in cases of suspected alterations in salivary gland function. (Author)
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