Salivary Glands

As food is chewed, saliva produced by the **salivary glands** mixes with it. Saliva is a watery substance produced in the mouths of many animals. There are three major glands that secrete saliva: the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. Saliva contains mucus, which moistens food and buffers its pH. It also contains immunoglobulins and lysozymes, which provide antibacterial action to help reduce tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria. Saliva also contains an enzyme called salivary amylase, which initiates the conversion of starches into a disaccharide called maltose. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, 3.1 Digestive Systems, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at:http://cnx.org/contents/p_VEotfU@2.23:Oestf0YE@6/Digestive-Systems*