what is role of saliva in digestion of food

Here is the complete answer:

The role of the saliva in the digestion of foods are:

• it moistens the food particles.
• It secretes enzymes called ptyalin which decomposed food particles in to simpler substance.
• It helps to swallow the food.
• It helps for tasting the food

How saliva helps in the digestion of food

Saliva is a type of watery fluid that is secreted by our salivary glands which is present in our mouth. It is play a vital role for the digestion of our food . Because when we eat foods and then we chew by our teeth then the food particles get break in to smaller pieces. which after mix with our saliva that contain a special type of enzyme called Ptyalin. This further break down in to simpler substance.

What does Saliva contains?

Saliva contains approx. 98-99% water and 1% salivary amylase.

The Salivary amylase ( ptyalin ) makes the digestion of carbohydrates that is present in our foods. Saliva slowly convert carbohydrates ( starch) in to simple sugars like glucose, maltose e.t.c.

The other main features of saliva are:

1. It moisten the foods particles that help to swallow it.
2. it convert starch in to simple sugars
3. It helps for tasting the food that i eat.

Types of salivary gland

There are mainly three types of salivary gland are:

1. Parotid glands – This gland is located in front and below of each ear. This gland is considered a largest gland. It produce watery substance that mix with saliva.
2. Submandibular glands – It is located beneath the lower jaw of our body.
3. Sublingual glands – It is located below the tongue. it is helpful for producing mucus and water mostly that mix with saliva. It mostly produce mucus in the mouth.