Oral Cavity: Mastication and Salivary Enzymes
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The oral cavity begins digestion mechanically through mastication and chemically through saliva's amylase, which starts starch breakdown, forming a swallowable bolus.
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Salivary amylase converts starch into maltose even before food leaves the mouth.
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The epiglottis closes the trachea during swallowing — without it, the bolus could enter the airway instead of the esophagus.