mastication

views updated Jun 11 2018

mastication The process of chewing food, which involves movements of the jaws and teeth. Mastication breaks up the food into small particles, which provides a greater surface area for digestion and enables the formation of a bolus, which is small enough to pass through the oesophagus.

mastication

views updated Jun 08 2018

mastication Chewing, grinding, and tearing foods with the teeth while it is mixed with saliva.

mastication

views updated Jun 11 2018

mastication (mas-ti-kay-shŏn) n. the process of chewing food.