Salivary amylase and lingual lipase are examples of what type of chemicals?

Salivary amylase and lingual lipase are classified as enzymes, which are biological catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process. Salivary amylase is produced in the salivary glands and plays a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates into simpler sugars, while lingual lipase is secreted in the mouth and initiates the digestion of fats.

The classification as enzymes is essential because they facilitate specific reactions that are vital for digestion. For example, without salivary amylase, the breakdown of starches into sugars would be significantly impeded, delaying the digestive process.

Enzymes like salivary amylase and lingual lipase are distinct from hormones, which serve regulatory functions in the body; vitamins, which are essential nutrients that must be obtained from the diet; and antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the important functional roles that enzymes play in the digestive system.