Question

The tongue helps in mixing food with saliva.
A.True
B.False

Answer 1

Saliva is enzymatic in nature and helps in digestion of food.
The oral cavity, or mouth, is the entry point of food into the digestive system. The food is broken into smaller particles by the process of mastication, i.e., the chewing action of the teeth.

Complete step by step answer:
-Digestion begins in the oral cavity. This happens in the following ways –
Oral cavity – Food is masticated by teeth and moistened by saliva. Saliva is secreted by the salivary glands.
Salivary glands – Enzymes in the saliva begin to digest starch and fats. With the help of the tongue, the bolus is moved into the esophagus by swallowing.
-The chemical process of digestion begins in the mouth. As we chew food, saliva mixes with the food. Saliva is a watery substance that contains many enzymes. The three salivary glands are –
The parotid gland
The sub – mandibular gland
The sub – lingual gland
- Saliva contains mucus that moistens the food and buffers the pH of the food. It also contains immunoglobulins and lysozymes that have antibacterial action. They reduce tooth decay by inhibiting growth of some bacteria. Salivary amylase is present in saliva, it begins the process of converting starch in the food into maltose. Lipase is produced by the cells in the tongue. It can break down triglycerides. The chewing and wetting action of teeth and saliva shape the food into bolus. The tongue helps in swallowing by moving the bolus from the mouth into the pharynx.

Note:
Apart from mixing saliva and swallowing, tongue helps in identifying different tastes by the help of taste buds. The function of food swallowing and digestion is aided by the tongue.