What is the main enzyme secreted by the salivary glands?

The main enzyme secreted by the salivary glands is amylase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates, specifically starches. When food enters the mouth, salivary amylase begins the process of breaking down starch into smaller sugar molecules, like maltose. This enzymatic action occurs before the food even reaches the stomach, highlighting the importance of saliva in the digestive process.

Amylase is specifically produced by the salivary glands and is one of the first steps in digestion. This process is essential for efficient nutrient absorption later in the digestive tract. In contrast, pepsin is an enzyme found in the stomach and is involved in protein digestion, bile salts are produced by the liver and aid in fat digestion, and insulin is a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation rather than digestion.