124 THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 



4. If saliva were acid in reaction instead of alkaline, what effect 

 would it have on the teeth ? 



5. What are the functions of the soft and hard palates ? 



6. State the uses of the tongue. 



7. What is the importance of saliva in digestion ? 



8. Describe the protection of the various openings from the throat 

 during the action of swallowing. 



9. Define peristalsis. Discuss the importance of peristalsis in the 

 digestive process. 



SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS 



Howell, Wm. H., Textbook of Physiology (W. B. Saunders Co.). 



Kimber, D. C., and Gray, C. E., Textbook of Anatomy and Physiology (The 



Macmillan Co.). 

 Martin and Weymouth, Elements of Physiology (Lea & Febiger). 



