I WONDER - What Is Saliva?

Saliva is produced by salivary glands in the mouth and plays a crucial role in digestion by moistening food and containing enzymes that break down food. The glands can produce over 1 liter of saliva daily. When we see or smell food, our brain signals the glands to produce saliva, preparing for digestion.

What is the primary function of salivary glands?

• To produce tears

• To produce saliva

• To produce sweat

• To produce hormones

How does saliva assist in the digestion process?

• By adding flavor to the food

• By cooling the food

• By making the food spicy

• By moistening the food and containing enzymes

What are enzymes in saliva responsible for?

• Preserving the food

• Coloring the food

• Breaking down food

• Heating the food

Approximately how much saliva can the salivary glands produce in a day?

• Over 1 liter

• Over 2 liters

• Over 100 milliliters

• Over 500 milliliters

What triggers the salivary glands to produce saliva when we see or smell food?

• The lungs

• The brain

• The heart

• The stomach