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Saliva is a fluid produced and secreted by the salivary glands. It is composed of water, mucous, and enzymes. Saliva helps digestion by moistening the food (a physical change), and breaking down starches in the foods with its enzymes (a chemical change).

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15y ago

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What contains an enzyme that starts the chemical digestion of food?

saliva is the substance in the mouth that contains enzymes to help with digestion before the food is swallowed.


Which enzyme present in saliva help in starch digestion?

Salivary amylase


What substance contains enzymes that help break down food before digestion?

Saliva


What are three words that name things that help in digestion?

Saliva, amylase, mechanical and chemical digestion, muscles, mucus, stomach acid.


Does saliva contain hydrochloric acid?

No, saliva does not contain hydrochloric acid. Saliva is a watery fluid that is produced by the salivary glands in the mouth to help with chewing, swallowing, and digestion. Hydrochloric acid is produced in the stomach as a component of gastric juices to aid in the digestion of food.


Does saliva mix with food to moiston it?

Yes, it does. In fact, saliva is used to begin the digestion process in foods like carbohydrates.


Why is my saliva so slimy?

Saliva is slimy because it contains mucins, which are proteins that help lubricate and protect the mouth and aid in digestion. The sliminess of saliva helps with swallowing and keeps the mouth moist.


Why does a dog have saliva around its mouth?

A dog has saliva around its mouth to help with digestion and to keep its mouth moist. Saliva also helps to break down food and make it easier to swallow.


Are protease found in saliva?

Yes, proteases are found in saliva. They help in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids during the initial stages of digestion in the mouth. This process is essential for the digestion and absorption of proteins in the body.


How do the teeth aid in the digestion of food?

Teeth help by mechanical digestion, which is breaking the food in smaller pieces in order for the saliva to cover it and make it easier to digest.


Why does a dog's mouth produce thick saliva?

A dog's mouth produces thick saliva to help with the digestion of food and to keep the mouth moist for better tasting and swallowing.


Does saliva move food into the stomach?

Saliva is used to start the digestion process.