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Multiple Choice
The teeth and tongue contribute to which function of the digestive system?
A
Secretion
B
Chemical digestion
C
Absorption
D
Mechanical digestion
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the role of the teeth and tongue in the digestive system. The teeth are responsible for breaking down food into smaller pieces through the process of chewing, which is a physical action.
Recognize that the tongue assists in manipulating food within the mouth, helping to mix it with saliva and form a bolus, which is easier to swallow.
Identify the term 'mechanical digestion,' which refers to the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces without altering its chemical structure. This is distinct from 'chemical digestion,' where enzymes break down food molecules into their chemical components.
Consider the other functions listed: 'secretion' involves the release of substances like enzymes and hormones, 'chemical digestion' involves enzymatic breakdown, and 'absorption' is the uptake of nutrients into the bloodstream. None of these directly involve the physical actions of the teeth and tongue.
Conclude that the teeth and tongue primarily contribute to mechanical digestion, as they physically break down food and prepare it for further digestion in the stomach and intestines.