Digestion Dynamics: Exploring Mechanical and Chemical Processes in the Mouth

Digestion begins in the mouth with mechanical digestion by teeth and tongue, and chemical digestion by salivary amylase from salivary glands. Mechanical digestion involves breaking food into smaller particles, while chemical digestion involves breaking down starch into simple sugars.

What is the primary function of teeth in the mouth during digestion?

• To grind food into smaller particles

• To secrete enzymes

• To absorb nutrients

• To taste the food

How does the tongue contribute to the process of digestion?

• By producing saliva

• By absorbing nutrients

• By breaking up food and moving it for better chewing

• By secreting digestive enzymes

What triggers the salivary glands to secrete saliva?

• Thinking about food

• Sleeping

• Exercising

• Reading

What is the role of salivary amylase in digestion?

• To absorb vitamins

• To convert fats into fatty acids

• To break down proteins into amino acids

• To break down starch into simple sugars

Which type of digestion involves breaking down large molecules into smaller ones?

• Mechanical digestion

• Chemical digestion

• Physical digestion

• Nutritional digestion

What are the two types of digestion that occur in the mouth?

• Physical and enzymatic digestion

• Mechanical and chemical digestion

• Chemical and nutritional digestion

• Mechanical and physical digestion