masticating

Masticating refers to the act of chewing food using the teeth and the muscles of the jaw. The term derives from the Latin masticare, meaning to chew.

In humans, mastication involves coordinated action among the teeth, jaw muscles, and tongue. The incisors and canines bite and tear, while the premolars and molars grind food into smaller particles. The primary muscles are the masseter, temporalis, and the medial and lateral pterygoids. During chewing, food is mechanically broken down and mixed with saliva, which lubricates the bolus and begins the chemical digestion of starch via salivary amylase. The tongue helps position food and push the formed bolus toward the throat for swallowing. Mastication also triggers neural and hormonal responses that prepare the digestive system for nutrient absorption.

Mastication serves several purposes beyond simple breakdown. It increases the surface area of food for enzymatic action, aids in taste perception, and influences the efficiency of digestion and nutrient uptake. Adequate chewing depends on the integrity of dentition and jaw function; problems such as tooth loss, malocclusion, temporomandibular joint disorders, neuromuscular conditions, or reduced saliva production can impair chewing and affect nutrition and quality of life. Treatments may include dental restoration, dentures, implants, or therapy for jaw disorders.

In animals, chewing styles reflect dietary adaptations. Herbivores often rely on extensive grinding and specialized dentition, and some species, like ruminants, chew cud as part of their digestive strategy. Overall, masticating is a fundamental feeding process across many vertebrates.