Chapter 24.6, Problem 18AYP

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The functions of the tongue and the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles.

Introduction:

The mouth forms the first site for mechanical digestion. The chewing action of teeth causes the crushing down of food into smaller particles to form the bolus (sticky mass of food and salivary enzymes). Saliva contains the salivary enzyme amylase, which helps in the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth.