W Hich of the Following is NOT a Major Physiological

Question

W hich of the following is NOT a major physiological function of chewing?
A) Chewing reduces particle size to enable swallowing
B) Chewing reduces particle size to enhance surface area for digestion
C) Chewing relaxes nervous people
D) Chewing mixes food with saliva
E) Chewing reduces “sharp edges” of vegetative matter

Accepted Answer

Chewing primarily functions to mechanically break down food, making it easier to swallow and increasing its surface area for enzymatic action. It also mixes food with saliva to begin the digestive process and can reduce the physical hazards of ingesting sharp food particles. The claim that chewing relaxes nervous people is not considered a major physiological function of chewing, as it pertains more to a psychological or behavioral effect rather than a direct physiological process involved in digestion.