Question

In humans, the process of digestion begins in the

• A. Oesophagus
• B. Buccal cavity
• C. Stomach
• D. Pharynx

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Buccal cavity

The correct option is B.

Explanation of correct option:

1. The buccal cavity is an oral cavity where the ingestion of food happens.
2. In the buccal cavity, the food is chewed and mixed with saliva forming a bolus.
3. The saliva having the salivary amylase acts upon the starch and forms maltose and dextrin.
4. And thus digestion process begins in the buccal cavity itself.

Explanation of incorrect option:

Option (A):

1. Oesophagus is a long pipe that connects the buccal cavity to the stomach and the rest of the alimentary canal.
2. The bolus formed in the buccal cavity passes through the oesophagus by peristalsis and reaches the stomach.

Option (C):

1. The stomach is a J-shaped pouch that receives the bolus and the stomach releases HCl which activates the pepsin enzyme in the stomach and breaks down the proteins.
2. Here, the food is mixed with water, and chyme is formed.

Option (D):

1. The pharynx is a narrow canal that connects both the buccal cavity and the nasal passage and ends at the top of the oesophagus as well as the trachea.

Final answer: In humans, the process of digestion begins in the buccal cavity.