Definition of Mastication:
Rhythmic opposition & separation of jaws with the involvement of teeth, lips, cheeks & tongue for chewing of food in order to prepare it for swallowing & digestion.
In simple terms we can describe it as “Grinding of Food into smaller particles to help is easier digestion with the help of teeth, jaw and muscles of the jaw. This funtion prepares the food we eat to be swallowed and digested easily.
Mastication is also called as Chewing in common words.
What are the parts involved in Mastication:
- Teeth
- Tongue
- Palate
- Lips / Cheeks
- Muslces attached to the jaw
Functions Of Mastication:
Increases surface area for action of enzymes
Stimulates mucosal circulation & keratinisation of mucosa
Increases thickness of periodontal ligament
Stimulates alveolar bone growth
For detailed information on mastication, click on the following Heading to be directed to the detailed post:
- Masticatory Forces
- Masticatory muscles
- Masticatory Cycle Phases
- Neural Masticatory Receptors
- Neural Control of Mastication
- Masticatory Reflexes
[…] muscles which are required for mastication are known as the muscles of mastication, These muscles help mainly in the movement of the mandible […]