What is the primary starting point for carbohydrate digestion?

The primary starting point for carbohydrate digestion is the mouth. In the oral cavity, enzymes such as salivary amylase begin the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. This enzymatic action is crucial as it initiates the process of digestion prior to the food entering the stomach.

Once carbohydrates are broken down into smaller molecules like maltose and dextrin, they continue to the stomach, where the acidic environment halts the action of salivary amylase. Further digestion occurs mainly in the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes and enzymes from the intestinal lining further break down carbohydrates into monosaccharides.

The pancreas does play a significant role in carbohydrate digestion by secreting enzymes like pancreatic amylase, but its action occurs after the initial digestion has started in the mouth. لذلك, the mouth is the correct answer as it is where carbohydrate digestion begins with enzymatic action.