title: Age-related vulnerability.
abstract: This presentation considers the vulnerability of the upper alimentary and respiratory tracts to environmental insults during aging. A specific example, salivary gland secretion, is discussed. Available data suggest that while aging per se does not affect salivary performance adversely, it does appear to compromise the glands in such a way that older persons are more vulnerable to exogenous factors that can reduce secretory capacity and, consequently, diminish oropharyngeal health.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Investigations and Patient Care Branch, National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Baum
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D012472:Salivation / Q000502:physiology*