Question

what is the action of saliva on food

Answer 1

breaking down starch into simpler sugars such as maltose and dextrin that can be further broken down in the small intestine.

Answer 2

This lubricative function of saliva allows the food bolus to be passed easily from the mouth into the esophagus. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, also called ptyalin, which is capable ofbreaking down starch into simpler sugars such as maltose and dextrin that can be further broken down in the small intestine.