Mechanical digestion

Definition

Mechanical digestion is the physical breakdown of large pieces of food into smaller pieces that can be more easily processed by the digestive system. This process begins in the mouth with chewing and continues in the stomach through muscular contractions.

Related terms

Chemical Digestion:

The chemical breakdown of food into simpler molecules that can be absorbed by the body.

Peristalsis:

The series of muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Enzymes:

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body, including those involved in digestion