Final answer:
The salivary glands that moisten and lubricate food during mastication include the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, all of which are correct options. They play essential roles in saliva production, contributing to the initial stages of digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Salivary Glands and Their Functions
The salivary glands responsible for producing and secreting saliva are indeed all of the above, which includes the parotid glands, the submandibular glands, and the sublingual glands. These exocrine glands are major pairs that contribute to the moistening and lubrication of food during mastication. The parotid glands are located on either side of the mouth in front of the ears. These are the largest of the three major pairs and are involved in secreting saliva through ducts near the second upper molars. The submandibular glands are found in the floor of the mouth and also release saliva into the mouth through ducts. Lastly, the sublingual glands, positioned under the tongue, contribute to the overall production of saliva. This saliva plays a crucial role in the initial digestive process by moistening food, buffering pH levels, initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates with the enzyme salivary amylase, and beginning the digestion of fats through the action of lipase enzymes produced by cells in the tongue.