Question

Discuss the role of salivary glands in deglutition and digestion of carbohydrates

A) A. Salivary glands secrete enzymes like pepsin for protein digestion, B. They play a minimal role in carbohydrate digestion during deglutition.
B) A. Salivary glands secrete amylase to initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates, B. They aid in the lubrication of food for easier swallowing during deglutition.
C) A. Salivary glands secrete lipase for lipid digestion, B. They are primarily involved in breaking down proteins during deglutition.
D) A. Salivary glands secrete bile for lipid digestion, B. They have no significant role in the digestion of carbohydrates during deglutition.

Answer 1

The salivary glands secrete salivary amylase enzyme that starts the digestion of carbohydrates by breaking starches into maltose, and they lubricate food to aid swallowing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Role of Salivary Glands in Deglutition and Digestion of Carbohydrates

The salivary glands play a crucial role in both deglutition (the act of swallowing) and the digestion of carbohydrates. They achieve this primarily through the secretion of salivary amylase, an enzyme that initiates the breaking down of carbohydrates, specifically starch and glycogen, into maltose – a disaccharide. Salivary glands also help in the formation of the food bolus by lubricating and binding the food particles, facilitating easier swallowing. While protein and lipid digestion enzymes are present in saliva, such as lingual lipase on the tongue, the primary enzyme for carbohydrate digestion secreted by the salivary glands is amylase.

Considering the student's multiple-choice options, the correct answer would be B: A. Salivary glands secrete amylase to initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates, B. They aid in the lubrication of food for easier swallowing during deglutition.