"Chew and swallow" refers to the process of masticating food in the mouth and then ingesting it down the esophagus into the stomach. It involves the sequential actions of breaking down solid food with the teeth, mixing it with saliva, and finally passing it through the throat for digestion.
Chewing serves as the initial step in mechanical digestion, where the teeth reduce food into smaller, manageable pieces. This process not only increases the surface area of the food but also releases enzymes present in the saliva, such as amylase, that begin chemical digestion by breaking down complex carbohydrates. As the food is chewed, the muscles of the tongue and cheeks manipulate it, providing further mechanical breakdown.
After thorough chewing, the food bolus is formed, which then proceeds to the next step - swallowing. Swallowing is a complex reflexive action that enables the passage of food from the mouth to the esophagus. It involves a series of muscular contractions orchestrated by the swallowing center in the brainstem. Coordinated movements of the tongue, soft palate, and throat (pharynx) propel the food bolus towards the opening of the esophagus and prevent it from entering the trachea, ensuring that it reaches the stomach safely.
Upon entering the esophagus, the food bolus travels through a series of contractions called peristalsis, pushing it towards the stomach, where it continues its journey through digestion and absorption. Through the act of chewing and swallowing, nutrients are properly prepared for further digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to the overall process of nourishment and energy acquisition in the body.
