Question:

Which of the following functions is not performed by secretions from salivary glands?

Updated On: June 02, 2025
  • Control bacterial population in mouth
  • Digestion of complex carbohydrates
  • Lubrication of oral cavity
  • Digestion of disaccharides
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To determine which function is not performed by secretions from salivary glands, we must consider the roles of different components in saliva:

  1. Control bacterial population in mouth: Saliva contains enzymes like lysozyme and antibodies that help to reduce and control bacteria in the mouth, preventing infections.
  2. Digestion of complex carbohydrates: Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates like starch into simpler sugars in the mouth.
  3. Lubrication of oral cavity: Saliva contains mucins that help to lubricate and moisten the oral cavity, facilitating speech and swallowing.
  4. Digestion of disaccharides: This task is not performed by the salivary glands. The digestion of disaccharides occurs in the small intestine with the help of enzymes like maltase, sucrase, and lactase.

Based on the roles and functions outlined above, the correct answer is that salivary glands do not perform the digestion of disaccharides.

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Concepts Used:

Digestion and Absorption - Alimentary Canal

Digestion can be defined as the process of breakdown of large, insoluble and complex food molecules into smaller ones for its absorption and circulation in the body. This process involves the usage of a variety of digestive fluids and enzymes, including saliva, mucus, bile and hydrochloric acid, among others.

Read More: Digestion and Absorption

The alimentary canal is mainly referred to as the pathway by which food enters our body and moves out through the anus after digestion. It is a tube-like structure that starts from the mouth and ends in the anus. The alimentary canal plays a primary role in human digestion and is also termed as the digestive tract.

Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.