Which statement describes the outcome of mechanical digestion in the mouth?

• A. Grinding of food by teeth
• B. Absorption of nutrients
• C. Production of bile
• D. Digestion of carbohydrates by pancreatic enzymes

Answer: (A)

Mechanical digestion in the mouth is about physically breaking down food. The teeth grind and crush the food, aided by the tongue, producing smaller pieces and a softer bolus ready to swallow. This physical breakdown increases surface area for later chemical digestion in the stomach and intestines. Absorption, bile production, and enzymatic digestion by pancreatic enzymes occur later in the digestive tract (or are chemical processes, not mechanical work in the mouth).