Question

What is secreted from salivary glands ?

• A. Water
• B. Saliva
• C. Bile juice
• D. Pancreatic Juice

Hint:

Remember the sources of digestive secretions:
Mouth/Salivary glands → Saliva
Stomach → Gastric juice
Liver → Bile juice
Pancreas → Pancreatic juice

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding salivary glands.
Salivary glands are exocrine glands located in and around the oral cavity. There are three major pairs of salivary glands:
Parotid glands (near the ears)
Submandibular glands (under the jaw)
Sublingual glands (under the tongue)
Numerous minor salivary glands are also present in the lips, cheeks, and palate.
Step 2: Function of salivary glands.
Salivary glands secrete saliva, a watery fluid that contains:
Water (about 99%)
Enzymes (salivary amylase for starch digestion)
Mucus (for lubrication)
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, etc.)
Antibacterial compounds (lysozyme, immunoglobulins)
Step 3: Analysis of each option.

(A) Water: Incorrect. While saliva contains water, salivary glands do not secrete pure water. They secrete saliva which is a complex fluid containing water along with other components.
(B) Saliva: Correct. Salivary glands specifically secrete saliva into the oral cavity through ducts.
(C) Bile juice: Incorrect. Bile juice is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It aids in fat digestion in the small intestine.
(D) Pancreatic Juice: Incorrect. Pancreatic juice is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine. It contains enzymes for digesting carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Step 4: Comparison of digestive secretions.

Salivary glands: Secrete saliva (contains amylase)
Stomach glands: Secrete gastric juice (contains HCl and pepsin)
Liver: Secretes bile juice (stored in gallbladder)
Pancreas: Secretes pancreatic juice (contains multiple enzymes)

Final Answer: (B) Saliva.