Mastication

Definition

Mastication is the process of chewing food to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces for digestion. This mechanical process is crucial as it increases the surface area of food, making it easier for enzymes in the digestive system to act upon. Proper mastication also aids in mixing food with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the digestive process even before food reaches the stomach.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mastication is primarily performed by the teeth and is controlled by the jaw muscles, including the masseter and temporalis.
2. The process involves not just chewing but also mixing food with saliva, which begins breaking down carbohydrates through the action of salivary amylase.
3. Proper mastication can improve digestion and nutrient absorption by reducing the workload on the stomach and intestines.
4. Mastication is essential for preventing choking, as it prepares food into a safer size for swallowing.
5. The efficiency of mastication can vary among individuals and is influenced by factors such as dental health and age.

Review Questions

• How does mastication enhance the overall efficiency of digestion?
  • Mastication enhances digestion by mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces, which increases the surface area for enzymatic action. This process not only facilitates easier swallowing but also allows digestive enzymes in saliva to start breaking down carbohydrates before the food reaches the stomach. By reducing the size of food particles, mastication helps ensure that nutrients are more readily accessible for absorption further along in the digestive tract.
• What role do enzymes present in saliva play during mastication?
  • Enzymes in saliva, such as salivary amylase, play a crucial role during mastication by initiating the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates while food is still being chewed. This enzymatic action begins digestion early, preparing food for further processing in the stomach and intestines. As food mixes with saliva during mastication, these enzymes can effectively start to convert complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars even before swallowing.
• Evaluate how ineffective mastication could impact an individual's digestive health and nutritional status.
  • Ineffective mastication can lead to larger food particles being swallowed, which may cause increased strain on the digestive system as it works harder to break down these particles. This can result in slower digestion, less efficient nutrient absorption, and potential gastrointestinal issues such as bloating or discomfort. Furthermore, inadequate chewing may lead to a higher risk of choking and could result in poor dietary habits as individuals may avoid certain foods that are harder to chew, impacting overall nutritional status.

Related terms

Saliva: A clear fluid produced by glands in the mouth that contains enzymes, electrolytes, and mucus, aiding in digestion and lubrication of food.

Enzymatic Digestion: The chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules by enzymes that occurs after mastication and throughout the digestive tract.

Bolus:

A mass of chewed food that is formed in the mouth and swallowed, facilitating its passage through the esophagus into the stomach.