The major salivary glands, the parotid, submandibular and sublingual, are found as paired sets. Their ducts empty into the oral cavity. Their main function is to secrete saliva, which contains mucin, water and ions, as well as a few digestive enzymes, such as amylase and RNA

Digestive glands are specialized glands that produce and secrete enzymes that help in the digestion of food. The main function of digestive glands is to break down complex food molecules into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. These glands are found in various parts of the digestive system such as the mouth, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, and liver.



There are three types of digestive glands, which are:

1. Salivary glands: These glands are located in the mouth and produce saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the process of breaking down carbohydrates.

2. Gastric glands: These glands are located in the stomach and produce gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes that break down proteins.

3. Pancreatic glands: These glands are located in the pancreas and produce pancreatic juice, which contains enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.



Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into simpler forms that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. The digestive system consists of various organs and glands that work together to carry out this process. The digestion process can be divided into two main stages, which are:



Mechanical digestion involves the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces. This process begins in the mouth where food is chewed and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates. The stomach also plays a role in mechanical digestion by churning and mixing food with gastric juice, which helps to break down proteins.



Chemical digestion involves the breakdown of food into simpler forms through the use of enzymes. This process begins in the mouth where enzymes in saliva begin the breakdown of carbohydrates. In the stomach, gastric juice containing enzymes breaks down proteins. In the small intestine, pancreatic juice containing enzymes breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The liver and gallbladder also play a role in chemical digestion by producing and storing bile, which helps to break down fats.



Once food has been broken down into simpler forms, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the cells of the body. Absorption mainly occurs in the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the intestine.



The final stage of digestion is elimination, where undigested food and waste products are eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus.