Question

Which one of the following is the matching set of glands and its secretion?
(A)Pituitary gland - Thyroxine
(B)Salivary gland - Amylase
(C)Adrenal cortex - Vasopressin
(D)Islets of Langerhans - Secretin

Answer 1

Hint: The set of glands and its secretion which is matching is that gland which produces an enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of starch (Latin amylum) into sugars. This enzyme is present in the saliva of the humans.

Complete solution: The salivary gland, more specifically the parotid glands produce serous saliva: a watery secretion that is rich in enzymes. The secretion produced from the sublingual glands is known as mucous saliva; a viscous secretion containing no enzymes and large amounts of mucus. The parotid gland secretes serous saliva which is a watery solution rich in an alpha-amylase enzyme called ptyalin. The gland enters the mouth through the parotid duct. there's a facial nerve between the 2 lobes.

Additional Information: Apart from the parotid, there are two other salivary glands named, submandibular and sublingual glands.
-Submandibular glands: They are known to be the paired salivary glands that contribute nearly 60-70% of the unstimulated saliva secretion and present beneath the floor of the mouth. The submandibular gland receives the blood supply from facial and lingual arteries.
-Sublingual glands: These glands are almost almond-shaped that present on the floor of the oral
cavity. The sublingual glands contribute only 3-5% of the overall saliva and the secretion is important
in initial digestion, lubrication of food, and keeping the oral mucosa moist.
So, the correct answer is ‘Salivary gland - Amylase’.

Note: The parotid glands are the largest salivary gland that is present on each side of the head in front of the ears. Each parotid gland is made up of the two parts; the superficial lobe and the deep lobe.
-The secretion of saliva is always regulated by parasympathetic stimulation.