Mastication
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BACK TO CHEEKS - ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Introduction
Mastication is the process whereby food is broken down by mechanical digestion in the oral cavity. The cheeks and tongue function to position food over the teeth where grinding can occur.
Rumination allows food to undergo mastication more than once. Also called 'chewing the cud', it allows greater nutrients to be extracted and absorbed from the food particles.
Mastication requires correct muscle movements and jaw articulation.
Muscles of Mastication
The muscles of mastication are well developed.
Jaw Opening Muscles
Jaw Closing Muscles