Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Which of the following best describes a serious cell's secretions?

1. Hormones

2. Bactericidal proteins

3. Digestive enzymes

4. Immune cells

The correct answer is: Bactericidal proteins

The best description of a serious cell's secretions is bactericidal proteins. Serous cells are specialized epithelial cells found primarily in salivary glands and exocrine tissues. They produce a watery secretion that is rich in proteins, particularly enzymes and antimicrobial substances that help prevent infection by killing bacteria. These bactericidal proteins play a crucial role in the immune defense, as they are designed to neutralize pathogens and maintain oral and systemic health. In contrast, hormones, digestive enzymes, and immune cells do not accurately characterize the specific function of serous cells. Hormones are produced by endocrine glands and are released into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological functions without a direct secretory role by serous cells. Digestive enzymes, while also produced by exocrine glands, are more characteristic of cells within the pancreas or gastric glands. Immune cells do not produce secretions in the same way that serous cells do; instead, they function as part of the immune response, acting directly against pathogens rather than producing secreted substances.