Question

What is the function of salivary glands?

Answer 1

There are three basic types of salivary glands:

1) Parotid glands

2) Submaxillary glands

3) Sublingual glands

Functions of salivary glands are are:

1) Lubrication and binding of food: It helps in lubrication of food as well as the mouth parts and esophagus for the smooth movement of food.

2) Solubilises the dry food material

3) It keeps the mouth clean

4) Starch digestion: Saliva contains amylases which digest starch. So, starch digestion begins in mouth itself.

5) Provides alkaline environment in mouth.