Question

Write a note on digestive glands.

Answer 1

Digestive glands:

1. Digestive glands are those glands found associated with the alimentary canal and secrete digestive juices which contain enzymes for the digestion of food.
2. Salivary glands, liver and pancreas are the glands which are linked with the alimentary canal.

Salivary glands:

1. There are three pairs of salivary glands located in the mouth.
2. They secrete saliva.
3. Saliva contains salts, mucus and enzymes.
4. Saliva moistens the food and enables easy swallowing.
5. It acts as a solvent for some parts of food which stimulate taste.
6. It helps in digestion of carbohydrates.

Liver:

1. Liver is the largest gland of human body.
2. It is located on the upper right side of the abdomen.
3. Liver secretes bile juice which helps in digestion of fat.

Pancreas:

1. Pancreas is found associated with small intestine and it is a cream coloured gland.
2. It secretes pancreatic juice which contains many enzymes such as Trypsin, amylase, lipase.
3. Trypsin converts proteins, proteoses and peptones into polypeptides.
4. Amylase help in the conversion of undigested starch to maltose.
5. Lipase digests fat by converting it into fatty acid and glycerol.