What is the primary function of salivary glands?

The primary function of salivary glands is to break down food with saliva. Saliva, produced by these glands, contains enzymes such as amylase that initiate the chemical digestion of carbohydrates as soon as food enters the mouth. This breakdown is crucial because it facilitates the swallowing process, making it easier for food to move down the esophagus and into the stomach for further digestion.

While lubricating the mouth, enhancing taste perception, and maintaining oral hygiene are important functions of saliva as well, they are secondary to its role in the digestion of food. The enzymes in saliva significantly contribute to the digestive process, underscoring why breaking down food is identified as the primary function of salivary glands.