ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -A digestive enzyme in saliva called amylase (AH-meh-lace) starts to break down some carbohydrates (starches and sugars) in the food. Muscles in the tongue and mouth work together to swallow the food and move it into the throat (pharynx).

Detailed explanation-2: -Chewing makes solid food the right size and texture to swallow by mixing the food with saliva. Saliva softens and moistens the food to make swallowing easier.

Detailed explanation-3: -The chewing and wetting action provided by the teeth and saliva shape the food into a mass called the bolus for swallowing. The tongue aids in swallowing by moving the bolus from the mouth into the pharynx.

Detailed explanation-4: -Chewing and saliva break down and mix food together in your mouth. From there, food goes into your esophagus when you swallow. Your esophagus pushes food into your stomach. Your stomach holds food while it mixes with enzymes that continue breaking down the food so you can use it for energy.

Detailed explanation-5: -After you chew and swallow your food, it enters your esophagus. This tube connects your throat to your stomach. A series of muscular contractions, known as peristalsis, pushes your food downward and into your stomach.