Final answer:
Amylase, the enzyme for digesting carbohydrates, is secreted by both the salivary glands in the form of salivary amylase and the pancreas in the form of pancreatic amylase.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amylases are enzymes that play a critical role in the digestion of carbohydrates. They are secreted by multiple parts of the digestive system. In particular, salivary glands in the mouth secrete salivary amylase, which begins the chemical digestion of carbohydrates by breaking down starch into simpler sugars like maltose. Additionally, the pancreas secretes pancreatic amylase into the small intestine, which continues and completes the chemical digestion of carbohydrates. Neither the liver nor the stomach secretes amylase; the stomach produces pepsin for protein digestion, and the liver's role is to produce bile, which emulsifies fats. Therefore, the correct answers to the question are:
- Salivary glands
- Pancreas
The correct answers to the question regarding the secretion of amylase in the digestive system are the salivary glands in the mouth and the pancreas. Salivary amylase, secreted by the salivary glands, initiates the chemical digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth by breaking down starch into simpler sugars like maltose. The pancreas further contributes to carbohydrate digestion by secreting pancreatic amylase into the small intestine, where it continues and completes the breakdown of carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
Contrarily, the stomach and liver do not secrete amylase. The stomach is involved in protein digestion, secreting pepsin, while the liver's primary role is to produce bile, which aids in the emulsification of fats. Understanding the specific roles of digestive enzymes in different parts of the digestive system is crucial for comprehending the intricate processes involved in nutrient breakdown and absorption.