Human Digestive System: Stages and Processes
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Human Digestive System Processes
Digestion involves two main types of processes:
- Mechanical Digestion: Food is ground, cut, and mixed with juices.
- Chemical Digestion: Food is broken down by hydrolytic enzymes.
1. Digestion in the Mouth
Mastication
This is the mechanical process involving the teeth and tongue. Food is torn and ground into small pieces.
Insalivation
Food is mixed with saliva. Pieces of food are moistened to form a bolus. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands and contains:
- Salivary Amylase: Responsible for the digestion of starch.
- Mucin: Gives viscosity to the saliva.
- Lysozyme: Attacks bacteria.
2. Deglutition (Swallowing)
The food bolus moves from the mouth towards the pharynx and passes the epiglottis. The bolus then enters the oesophagus,... Continue reading "Human Digestive System: Stages and Processes" »