Which enzyme do the salivary glands produce?

Salivary glands produce amylase, which is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates. Specifically, salivary amylase begins the process of breaking down starches into simpler sugars, such as maltose, while food is still in the mouth. This enzymatic action is important as it initiates the digestive process before food reaches the stomach and intestines.

In contrast, protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, but it is primarily produced in the stomach and pancreas. Lactase, on the other hand, is responsible for breaking down lactose, the sugar found in milk, and is produced in the small intestine. Pepsin is another digestive enzyme, involved in protein digestion, which is secreted in the stomach but not produced by the salivary glands. Therefore, among the options provided, amylase is the only enzyme specifically produced by the salivary glands, making it the correct answer.