Where is amylase primarily produced?

Amylase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, specifically starches, into simpler sugars. It plays a crucial role in the digestive process. The primary production sites for amylase are the salivary glands and the pancreas.

In the salivary glands, amylase is secreted as part of saliva, where it begins the digestion of starches in the mouth as food is chewed. This is the first step in carbohydrate digestion and allows the body to start breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars before they enter the stomach.

Additionally, the pancreas produces a different form of amylase that is released into the small intestine, where it continues the process of carbohydrate digestion. This pancreatic amylase works by further breaking down any remaining starches into maltose and other simple sugars that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The other options mention locations where amylase is not produced. The liver and kidneys are primarily involved in metabolism and waste excretion, while the heart and lungs have roles in circulatory and respiratory functions, respectively. The stomach and intestines, while crucial for digestion, do not produce amylase; instead, they have other digestive enzymes and acids that aid in the breakdown of food.