The muscular tongue aids in the mechanical breakdown of food by moving it around the mouth while chewing. This movement helps to further mix the food with saliva, ensuring even distribution of digestive enzymes and facilitating the swallowing process.
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The tongue plays a vital role in digestion by contributing to various processes. It assists in mastication (chewing) by manipulating food within the mouth, breaking it into smaller particles for easier digestion. The taste buds on the tongue detect different flavors, influencing the body’s response to various nutrients. Additionally, the tongue aids in the formation of the bolus—a cohesive, partially digested mass of food mixed with saliva—facilitating its movement through the digestive tract. The tongue also helps initiate the swallowing reflex, guiding the bolus to the back of the throat for safe passage into the esophagus and initiating the process of peristalsis.