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

Answer

 

Saliva is a watery liquid secreted by the salivary glands present in the mouth and it is responsible for digestion of starch in our food.

 

  • Saliva lubricates and moistens food , thus aiding in swallowing.  
  • An enzyme called amylase helps to breakdown starch into a simpler sugar called maltose to be easily absorbed by the body. 
  • Since amylase is present in the saliva, it is called salivary amylase .

 

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Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo