What does mastication mean?

Mastication refers specifically to the process of chewing, which is the mechanical breakdown of food in the mouth. During mastication, food is crushed and ground by the teeth and mixed with saliva, which begins the digestive process. This important step not only makes food easier to swallow but also increases the surface area of the food for enzymes to act upon during digestion. By breaking food down into smaller pieces, mastication prepares it for more efficient digestion in the stomach and intestines. Understanding this term is crucial in the study of animal physiology, as the process of mastication varies among different species and affects their overall health and nutrition.