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Multiple Choice

Which salivary gland produces salivary amylase?

Salivary amylase is produced mainly by the serous cells of the parotid gland. This gland releases a watery, enzyme-rich saliva via its duct into the mouth, which starts the breakdown of starch into sugars like maltose as soon as food is chewed. The other glands also contribute to saliva, but their secretions are less rich in amylase (the sublingual gland is mostly mucous and contains little enzyme, while the submandibular gland has a mixed secretion with moderate enzyme content). So, the parotid gland is the primary source of salivary amylase.

Salivary amylase is produced mainly by the serous cells of the parotid gland. This gland releases a watery, enzyme-rich saliva via its duct into the mouth, which starts the breakdown of starch into sugars like maltose as soon as food is chewed. The other glands also contribute to saliva, but their secretions are less rich in amylase (the sublingual gland is mostly mucous and contains little enzyme, while the submandibular gland has a mixed secretion with moderate enzyme content). So, the parotid gland is the primary source of salivary amylase.