Digestion can be either chemical or mechanical. Mechanical digestion is the breaking down of food into smaller particles so that it can more easily be processed by the digestive system. The best example of this is mastication, which is the term for chewing. The teeth chop the food up into smaller pieces which then pass through the digestive system. Chemical digestion is the breaking down of food particles through chemical reactions. Chemical and mechanical digestion combine to process food, absorbing nutrients and minerals and discarding the waste.
Very little mechanical digestion occurs outside of the mouth. The act of chewing food breaks it down into more easily-digested pieces. The stomach performs a little mechanical digestion as the muscles expand and contract to move the food around in the stomach. This is in order to expose the food to more of the chemical secretions in the stomach and thus digest it easier. The movement of food in the same way, through muscle contractions, also occurs in the small and large intestines.
The expansion and contraction of muscles that occurs throughout the gastrointestinal tract during mechanical digestion is called peristalsis. There are two groups of muscles that work simultaneously to move the food. Circular muscles and longitudinal muscles work in conjunction. First one group contracts, then the other. An earthworm moves through a similar series of muscle contractions.
The process of chemical digestion begins in the mouth, which secretes saliva, a chemical that works to begin digesting food as soon as it is eaten. Saliva, also called spit or drool, comes from the salivary glands which are located in the mouth and is 98% water. There are three major pairs of salivary glands and hundreds of minor ones.
Chemical digestion that occurs in the stomach is mainly via enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The stomach secretes pepsinogen which turns into pepsin and breaks down proteins. The hydrochloric acid provides a low pH level in which the enzymes can thrive. The combination of enzymes and stomach acid also help to kill any bacteria that may be lurking within the food. Chewed food that enters the stomach is called bolus and it is called chyme after it leaves the stomach. Individuals who are struggling with indigestion often rely on Supergreens for assistance. Supergreens contain digestive enzymes, such as pepsin, that help the body break down food in the stomach.
After food leaves the stomach, it enters the small intestine where three more liquids are added to further digest it. The liver produces bile and stores it in the gallbladder until needed. The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice which is also used to break down food. Finally, food is further digested by enzymes secreted from the mucous membranes within the small intestine. Still moving by means of peristalsis, the food leaves the small intestine and enters the large intestine, where many nutrients are absorbed, and then the waste exits the body via the anus.
Where Does Mechanical Digestion Begin?
Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth, where the teeth break food down into smaller particles, making it easier to swallow and transport through the digestive system. Saliva makes this process more effective by moistening the food while enzymes start to break it down chemically. There are four types of teeth in your mouth that make mechanical digestion possible:
- Incisors
- Canines
- Premolars
- Molars
The incisors are the eight teeth (four on the bottom and four on top) located towards the front of the mouth. They are used for biting directly into your food if it's too large to place entirely in your mouth. Next are the canines, the four sharp, pointy teeth that tear and shred food. Next to the canines are premolars. There are eight in total and these teeth are the most versatile, as they have both a pointed surface for tearing and a flat surface for crushing. Finally come the molars; most adults have 12 and these teeth are responsible for grinding food into smaller particles.
Because digestion begins in the mouth, dental health plays a pivotal role in this essential function. Teeth that are crooked or missing, as well as jaw or bite issues, can cause more than cosmetic problems; they can also inhibit digestion, making it more difficult to chew food effectively. Dry mouth can also impair digestive function because saliva plays such an important part in breaking down the foods you eat. It is essential to care for your teeth and prioritize your oral health in order to keep your digestive system functioning efficiently.
Mechanical Digestion in the Stomach
While most people think of the stomach as a location for chemical digestion, mechanical digestion does still occur here. The stomach is a muscular organ, so it contracts as needed to manipulate food particles and break them apart even further before they enter the intestines. This also helps to propel the food down the digestive tract.
Is Saliva Chemical or Mechanical Digestion?
While saliva is essential for mechanical digestion in the mouth, it technically breaks down foods via chemical digestion. Saliva is full of important components, including:
- enzymes
- proteins
- electrolytes
- minerals
The enzymes in saliva are particularly crucial when it comes to digestion. These molecules help break apart the chemical bonds in food so that the nutrients can be absorbed and utilized by the body. Proteins are also helpful, as they help neutralize many harmful bacteria found in and on food before they make their way to the internal organs and tissues.
How To Make Mechanical Digestion More Efficient
Mechanical digestion helps make chemical digestion possible. To make this process more efficient, sit down and take your time when eating a meal or a snack. Avoid screen usage during this time, as it can distract you from chewing your food more thoroughly. Be sure to drink plenty of water as well. Not only can this help you chew and swallow your food more easily, but it also keeps your muscles functioning properly for internal mechanical digestion.