What is the function of saliva in the digestive system?
Q: What is the function of saliva in the digestive system?
A: Saliva keeps the mouth and other parts of the digestive system wet and slippery. It helps break down food when you are chewing, and this helps food go down the throat to the stomach.
Q: How many main pairs of salivary glands are there?
A: There are three main pairs of salivary glands, which are the parotid, the submandibular, and the sublingual glands.
Q: Are there any small glands in the oral cavity?
A: Yes, there are also many small glands located in the tongue, cheeks, lips, and palate.
Q: What do all of the glands in the oral cavity produce?
A: All of the glands in the oral cavity produce mucous.
Q: What is the name of the largest salivary gland?
A: The name of the largest salivary gland is the parotid gland.
Q: What is the function of the sublingual gland?
A: The main function of the sublingual gland is to produce saliva that helps to coat and moisten the oral cavity.
Q: Can saliva break down carbohydrates in food?
A: Yes, saliva contains enzymes that can break down carbohydrates in food when you are chewing.
