What are the two major gland complexes in the mouth and what do they secrete?

• A. Serous glands secrete enzymes such as lipase and amylase; Mucinous glands secrete mucin which makes the food soggy and wet.
• B. Mucinous glands secrete enzymes such as lipase and amylase; Serous glands secrete mucin which makes the food soggy and wet.
• C. Serous glands secrete mucus; Mucinous glands secrete lipase.
• D. Serous glands secrete saliva; Mucinous glands secrete hormones.

Answer: (A)

In the mouth, the salivary system has two main gland types: serous and mucous. Serous glands produce a watery, enzyme-rich fluid. In this fluid, amylase starts carbohydrate digestion, and lingual lipase (from serous tissue in certain glands like von Ebner’s) helps with fat digestion. Mucous glands, on the other hand, secrete mucin, a glycoprotein that makes saliva slippery and helps form a lubricated bolus for swallowing.

So the correct idea is that serous glands deliver enzymes such as amylase and lipase, while mucous glands deliver mucin. The other descriptions mix up what each gland type secretes, which is why they aren’t accurate.