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 and bile to …

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. …

Jul 19, 2025 · Mastication, the scientific term for chewing, is the first step in the digestive process. It involves breaking down food into smaller pieces, preparing it for swallowing and digestion.

Mastication is the process of mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces by chewing, which is essential for digestion.

Mastication is defined as the process of chewing food, involving both vertical and horizontal movements of the mandibles to break down food into smaller fragments suitable for swallowing, while mixing it …

Dec 3, 2025 · 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.

Mar 12, 2024 · 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 …

Oct 4, 2019 · 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 …

Mastication is the noun form of the verb masticate, meaning to chew or, less commonly, to reduce to a pulp by crushing or kneading, as is done in the rubber-making process. Mastication is almost always …

Jan 26, 2020 · 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 …