Digestive system 1st half
The Digestive Process: Step-by-Step
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The Mouth (Ingestion & Initial Breakdown)
Chemical: Saliva begins breaking down carbohydrates.
Mechanical (Teeth): Incisors, canines, premolars, and molars cut and grind food.
Mechanical (Tongue): The tongue performs several critical roles to prepare food for the next stage.
The Esophagus (Transport)
Once swallowed, the food (now called a bolus) travels down this muscular tube. It moves via peristalsis, a series of wave-like muscle contractions that push the food toward the stomach.
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