Digestion Starts In The Mouth

key notes :

Introduction to Digestion:

Digestion is the process by which our body breaks down food into smaller pieces to use for energy, growth, and repair.

Role of the Mouth in Digestion:

• Digestion begins in the mouth as soon as we start chewing food.
• Chewing, or mastication, breaks down food into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow and digest.

Teeth’s Function:

• Teeth grind and cut food into smaller pieces.
• Different types of teeth (incisors, canines, molars) help in tearing, cutting, and grinding food.

Saliva’s Role:

• Saliva, a liquid produced by salivary glands, is released in the mouth when we eat.
• It contains an enzyme called amylase that begins breaking down starches (like bread and rice) into simpler sugars.

Formation of a Food Bolus:

• As food is chewed and mixed with saliva, it forms a soft, moist ball called a bolus.
• The bolus makes it easier to swallow and move down the digestive tract.

Swallowing Process:

• Once the food is well-chewed, the tongue pushes the bolus to the back of the mouth to be swallowed.
• The bolus then enters the throat (pharynx) and moves down the esophagus to the stomach for further digestion.

Why Chewing Well is Important:

• Chewing food properly helps digestion and allows the body to absorb nutrients more effectively.
• Eating slowly also gives saliva enough time to start breaking down food.

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