The major purpose of mastication is to:
Correct answer: C. Increase surface area
- A. Make morsel soft
- B. Make food moist
- C. Increase surface area
- D. Improve the taste
Explanation
Chewing breaks food into small pieces so that a far larger surface is exposed to digestive enzymes, which speeds up chemical digestion. Softening and moistening the morsel are real effects of saliva mixing in, but they serve swallowing, whereas the stated major purpose is the increase in surface area.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2026 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Human Digestive System
The human digestive system breaks food into absorbable molecules through mechanical processing, enzyme action and chemical conditions along the alimentary canal. Questions cover the mouth, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas and associated secretions, including the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals and water.
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