
Chewing - Wikipedia
Chewing or mastication is the process by which food is crushed and ground by the teeth. It is the first step in the process of digestion, allowing a greater surface area for digestive enzymes and …
What Is Mastication and Why Is It Important? - Biology Insights
Jul 19, 2025 · Mastication, the scientific term for chewing, is the first step in the digestive process. It involves breaking down food into smaller pieces, preparing it for swallowing and digestion.
Chewing | Mastication, Muscles, Jaw Movements | Britannica
chewing, up-and-down and side-to-side movements of the lower jaw that assist in reducing particles of solid food, making them more easily swallowed; teeth usually act as the grinding …
Mastication Definition - Anatomy and Physiology II Key Term
Mastication is the process of mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces by chewing, which is essential for digestion.
The Muscles of Mastication - Attachments - TeachMeAnatomy
Dec 3, 2025 · The muscles of mastication are a group of muscles associated with movements of the jaw. There are four muscles - the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid and lateral …
MASTICATION Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
Mastication is the noun form of the verb masticate, meaning to chew or, less commonly, to reduce to a pulp by crushing or kneading, as is done in the rubber-making process. Mastication is …
Mastication (Chewing): Definition & Muscles | Biology Dictionary
Oct 4, 2019 · Mastication is the mechanical grinding of food into smaller pieces by teeth; it is essentially a technical word for “chewing”. Mastication breaks down food so that it can go …
Understanding Mastication: Common Questions and Answers
Mar 12, 2024 · Mastication, commonly known as chewing, is the process of breaking down food into smaller pieces in the mouth to make it easier to swallow and digest. It is a crucial part of …
Mastication - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Mastication is defined as the process of chewing food, involving both vertical and horizontal movements of the mandibles to break down food into smaller fragments suitable for …
MASTICATION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of MASTICATION is the act or process of masticating or the state of being masticated.