* Salivary glands: These glands produce saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates. There are three pairs of salivary glands:
* Parotid glands
* Submandibular glands
* Sublingual glands
* Liver: The liver plays a crucial role in digestion by producing bile, which helps break down fats.
* Gallbladder: This small sac stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine when needed.
* Pancreas: The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine, including:
* Amylase (breaks down carbohydrates)
* Lipase (breaks down fats)
* Proteases (breaks down proteins)
These glands are considered "external" because they are located outside the digestive tract itself, but their secretions are essential for the digestive process.
