What is the process of physical digestion?

Physical digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller pieces without chemical changes.

Physical digestion, also known as mechanical digestion, is a crucial part of the overall digestive process. It begins in the mouth, where the teeth grind and tear food into smaller pieces. This process is known as mastication. The tongue also plays a role by moving the food around the mouth, aiding in its breakdown. The smaller pieces of food have a larger surface area, which allows enzymes in the next stage of digestion to work more effectively.

After mastication, the food is swallowed and travels down the oesophagus through a process called peristalsis. This involves the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the oesophagus, pushing the food towards the stomach. In the stomach, the food is churned and mixed with gastric juices, further breaking it down into a semi-liquid substance called chyme. This physical breakdown of food in the stomach also increases the surface area for enzymes to act upon.

Physical digestion is a vital step in the digestive process as it prepares the food for chemical digestion. It ensures that the food is in a suitable state for the enzymes to act upon, increasing the efficiency of nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Without physical digestion, the process of nutrient absorption would be significantly less efficient, as enzymes would struggle to break down large pieces of food.

In summary, physical digestion involves the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, starting from the mouth and continuing in the stomach. This process increases the surface area of the food, making it easier for enzymes to act upon in the subsequent stages of digestion.