Bolus

Definition

A bolus is a rounded mass of food or liquid that has been chewed and mixed with saliva, ready to be swallowed. It plays a crucial role in the initial stages of digestion by facilitating the movement of food from the mouth to the esophagus.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The formation of a bolus begins with mastication (chewing) in the mouth.
2. Saliva contains enzymes like amylase that start breaking down carbohydrates in the bolus.
3. The tongue helps in shaping and pushing the bolus towards the pharynx for swallowing.
4. Once swallowed, the bolus travels down the esophagus via peristaltic movements.
5. The term 'bolus' can also refer to a single dose of medication administered all at once.

Review Questions

• What enzymes in saliva contribute to forming a bolus?
• Describe how a bolus moves from the mouth to the stomach.
• Why is saliva important in forming a bolus?

Related terms

Mastication:

The process of chewing food in preparation for swallowing and digestion.

Peristalsis:

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

Amylase:

An enzyme found in saliva that begins the chemical process of digestion by breaking down starches into sugars.