Refers to a group of hydrolases that catalyze the hydrolysis of polysaccharides, including starch and glycogen, to simple mono- and disaccharides such as maltose and glucose. The pancreas and salivary glands are the richest in amylase. Alpha-amylase is produced by the pancreas and secreted into the intestinal tract through its duct system. The enzyme secreted by the pancreas is called pancreatic amylase, and its level can be measured separately.