Which term refers to the process of chewing?

Which term refers to the process of chewing?

• A. Mastication
• B. Deglutition
• C. Salivation
• D. Ingestion

Answer: (A)

Chewing is the mechanical breakdown of food in the mouth, done by the teeth and jaw muscles. This is called mastication. It reduces particle size and mixes food with saliva, preparing it for swallowing and chemical digestion. Swallowing, or deglutition, moves the chewed mass into the esophagus. Salivation is the production of saliva that lubricates and begins chemical digestion. Ingestion is the act of taking food into the mouth. So the term for the process of chewing is mastication.

Chewing is the mechanical breakdown of food in the mouth, done by the teeth and jaw muscles. This is called mastication. It reduces particle size and mixes food with saliva, preparing it for swallowing and chemical digestion. Swallowing, or deglutition, moves the chewed mass into the esophagus. Salivation is the production of saliva that lubricates and begins chemical digestion. Ingestion is the act of taking food into the mouth. So the term for the process of chewing is mastication.