Edumarz

What is the role of saliva in the digestion of food?

Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
LinkedIn

Supriya SME at Edumarz


Solution : Saliva is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands present in the oral cavity of the mouth. There are mainly three paired  salivary glands in the mouth such as, parotid gland, submandibular and sublingual gland. Saliva is 98% of water , and also contains electrolytes, antimicrobial activity and enzymes.



Roles of saliva:


Saliva consists of 98% water so it helps in moistening and lubricating the mouth and throat thus  also facilitates the easy chewing and swallowing of food. 


Also saliva keeps the mouth clean and bacteria free as saliva has antibacterial activity. It also kills the bacteria present inside the mouth, thus preventing teeth and gums from decaying.


Saliva plays an important role in digestion as the mouth is the first part where actual digestion starts. Saliva contains an enzyme called Amylase which helps in digestion of glucose  and convert it into maltose  sugar.


It also acts as a solvent , dissolving particles to stimulate the taste buds of the tongue. 

Leave a Reply