University of Central Florida (UCF) HUN3011 Human Nutrition Practice Exam 1

The correct answer highlights that digestion in the mouth involves mechanical digestion, which is the physical process of breaking down food into smaller pieces. This process relies heavily on the action of teeth, which chop, grind, and tear food into manageable sizes, making it easier to swallow and increasing the surface area for enzymes to act on.

Mechanical digestion is vital as it sets the stage for chemical digestion, which occurs later in the digestive process and involves the action of enzymes that break down food at a molecular level. The action of the teeth does not involve chemical changes to the food but rather focuses on the physical breakdown of food into smaller components. This is essential for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption in subsequent stages of the digestive system.