Question

Explain in detail about digestion of food in the mouth.
[5 MARKS]

Answer 1

Digestion in the mouth: 1 Mark each

1. Chewing food accomplishes the chemical, as well as the physical breakdown of food.
2. There are three sets of salivary glands in humans: parotid (just below the ear), submandibular (below the lower jaw), and sublingual (below the tongue).
3. These glands produce saliva, which passes down a short duct into the oral cavity. Saliva is a fluid which is rich in ions and contains amylase.
4. This digestion of starch starts with the action of saliva. It also wets and lubricates the food particles.
5. It helps in killing the bacteria that accidentally enter along with the food.