Question

Thorough mastication of food is essential because
A. Mastication of food makes the teeth stronger
B. It makes the process of swallowing food easier.
C. By this process bigger pieces of food are broken down into smaller pieces.
D. By this process bigger pieces of food are broken down into smaller pieces and saliva is properly mixed with it.

Answer 1

Hint: Mastication (chewing) is a complex process that not only involves the opening and closing of the jaw but it also involves the secretion of saliva and mixing the food with the help of a tongue.

Complete answer: Mastication is the first step in the process of digestion. Chewing food breaks down very large particles of food molecules into smaller particles so that it can be further digested by enzymes. A number of different bones, for example, teeth and jaw bone and the muscles such as tongue and jaw muscles contribute to the proper chewing of food. Moreover, during mastication, the food comes in contact with saliva that acts as a lubricant and makes it soft and easier for food to pass through the oesophagus. Saliva plays a crucial role as it contains enzymes that help in digestion, for example, an enzyme called amylase breaks down starches (complex carbohydrates) into sugar which your body can absorb easily. Proper chewing helps in the digestion and prevents overeating. It makes it easier to absorb nutrients and helps to promote the feeling of fullness after eating. Moreover, mastication reduces esophageal stress that accompanies swallowing smaller rather than large pieces of food and another benefit is its ability to be exposed to saliva for a longer period of time. Chewing is directly connected with the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Note: Mechanical and chemical digestion starts in the mouth with chewing of food and release of saliva from the salivary glands. Starch present in the food is broken down to disaccharides in the mouth. The food that is partially digested in the mouth is called the bolus.