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An amylase (/ ˈ æ m ɪ l eɪ s /) is an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of starch (Latin amylum) into sugars.Amylase is present in the saliva of humans and some other mammals, where it begins the chemical process of digestion.
Saliva on a baby's lips. Saliva (commonly referred to as spit or drool) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth.In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as lipase and amylase), and antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).
The test for amylase is easier to perform than that for lipase, making it the primary test used to detect and monitor pancreatitis. Medical laboratories will usually measure either pancreatic amylase or total amylase. If only pancreatic amylase is measured, an increase will not be noted with mumps or other salivary gland trauma.
Salivary immunoglobulin A serves to aggregate oral bacteria such as S. mutans and prevent the formation of dental plaque. [28] Tissue repair: Saliva can encourage soft-tissue repair by decreasing clotting time and increasing wound contraction. [29] Digestion: Saliva contains amylase, which hydrolyses starch into glucose, maltose, and dextrin.
Saliva contains the digestive enzymes amylase, and lingual lipase, secreted by the salivary and serous glands on the tongue. Chewing, in which the food is mixed with saliva, begins the mechanical process of digestion. This produces a bolus which is swallowed down the esophagus to enter the stomach.
In the oral cavity, salivary glands secrete an array of enzymes and substances that aid in digestion and also disinfection. They include the following: [10] Lingual lipase: Lipid digestion initiates in the mouth. Lingual lipase starts the digestion of the lipids/fats. Salivary amylase: Carbohydrate digestion also initiates in the mouth. Amylase ...
The parotid gland also secretes salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), which is the first step in the decomposition of starches during mastication. It is the main exocrine gland to secrete this. It is the main exocrine gland to secrete this.
Salivary cortisol levels can thus provide insight into a number of other psychological processes. Alpha amylase levels in saliva provide a non-invasive way to examine sympathoadrenal medullary (SAM) activity, which can otherwise be measured with electrophysiological equipment or blood plasma readings.