What is the major digestive enzyme found in saliva?

The major digestive enzyme found in saliva is amylase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates. Specifically, amylase initiates the process of breaking down starches into simpler sugars. Saliva, which is produced by the salivary glands, contains amylase that begins this process as soon as food enters the mouth, demonstrating the beginning stages of digestion even before the food reaches the stomach.

On a physiological level, the presence of amylase in saliva allows for the efficient breakdown of carbohydrates, which is important because the digestion of starches is vital for energy production in the body. The action of salivary amylase is particularly significant since it sets the stage for more complete digestion later in the gastrointestinal tract.

In contrast, other enzymes mentioned do not primarily act in the oral cavity or are not found in saliva. Proteases, for example, primarily function to break down proteins and are more active in the stomach where pepsin is prevalent. Lipase, which digests fats, is also less significant in saliva and is mostly active in the stomach and small intestine during later stages of digestion. Thus, amylase stands out as the key enzyme in saliva dedicated to carbohydrate digestion.