ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mechanical digestion in the oral cavity consists of grinding of food into smaller pieces by the teeth, a process called mastication. Chemical digestion in the mouth is minor but consists of salivary amylase (ptyalin, or alpha-amylase) and lingual lipase, both contained in the saliva.

Detailed explanation-2: -When we eat, our teeth tear, cut, and grind food in preparation for swallowing. The tongue helps push food to the teeth, and allows us to taste the food we eat.

Detailed explanation-3: -The role of your teeth Teeth break down food for swallowing and further digestion. The incisors, located in the middle front of the lower and upper jaws, cut and gnaw pieces of food. The molars, in the back of the mouth, grind and chew.

Detailed explanation-4: -Mechanical Digestion Begins When the Teeth Break Down Ingested Food. The movement of the jaw enables the teeth to grind food into small fragments.

Detailed explanation-5: -The tongue is a workhorse, facilitating ingestion, mechanical digestion, chemical digestion (lingual lipase), sensation (of taste, texture, and temperature of food), swallowing, and vocalization. The tongue perform three important digestive functions in the mouth: Position food for optimal chewing.