Mastication (Chewing): Definition Muscles - Biology Dictionary Mastication is the mechanical grinding of food into smaller pieces by teeth; it is essentially a technical word for “chewing” Mastication breaks down food so that it can go through the esophagus to the stomach
Chewing - Wikipedia Chewing or mastication is the process by which food is crushed and ground by the teeth It is the first step in the process of digestion, allowing a greater surface area for digestive enzymes to break down the foods During the mastication process, the food is positioned by the cheek and tongue between the teeth for grinding
The Muscles of Mastication - Attachments - TeachMeAnatomy The muscles of mastication are a group of muscles associated with movements of the jaw There are four muscles - the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid and lateral pterygoid
Mastication Definition and Functions - ThoughtCo Mastication involves the interplay of teeth, bones, muscles, and soft tissues Soft tissues include the tongue, lips, and cheeks The soft tissues keep food in the mouth and move it around so that it mixes with saliva and is presented to the teeth
Chewing and swallowing: Video, Causes, Meaning - Osmosis For both groups - the first step of digestion is chewing, or mastication This is where food gets moistened by saliva, and is broken down into smaller bits that are easy to swallow and pass through the esophagus
Understanding Mastication: Common Questions and Answers Mastication, commonly known as chewing, is the process of breaking down food into smaller pieces in the mouth to make it easier to swallow and digest It is a crucial part of the digestion process and plays a significant role in maintaining good oral health
Mastication: Understanding the Complex Process of Chewing - Denpedia Mastication, commonly known as chewing, is a fundamental physiological process involved in the breakdown of food into smaller, more manageable particles This process initiates digestion, making it easier for the body to extract essential nutrients from the ingested food
Chewing | Mastication, Muscles, Jaw Movements | Britannica chewing, up-and-down and side-to-side movements of the lower jaw that assist in reducing particles of solid food, making them more easily swallowed; teeth usually act as the grinding and biting surface In cats and dogs, food is reduced only to a size that permits easy swallowing