Chapter 11: Problem 3

What does saliva do to the food?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Saliva moisturizes food, binds it into a bolus, and begins the chemical process of digestion by secreting an enzyme called amylase that starts starch digestion.

Step by step solution

Identifying the digestive system

First, understand that the digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body. The digestive tract begins at the mouth.

Recognizing role of saliva in the mouth

Next, comprehend that saliva is produced in the salivary glands and is secreted into the mouth. This plays an initial, critical role in the digestive process.

Understanding the specific action of saliva

Appreciate that the specific actions of saliva include moisturizing and binding of the food into a bolus, or rounded mass, through mechanical manipulation by the tongue and teeth. Importantly, saliva also initiates the process of chemical digestion because it contains an enzyme called amylase that starts to break down starch in the food.

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What does saliva do to the food?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying the digestive system

Recognizing role of saliva in the mouth

Understanding the specific action of saliva

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