into smaller pieces by the teeth, tongue, and other structures within the mouth. This physical process of chewing and grinding food helps to increase the surface area of the food particles, making it easier for enzymes to break down the nutrients and for the body to absorb them in the digestive tract. Mechanical digestion also involves the churning and mixing of food in the stomach and small intestine, where muscles contract and relax to further break down food particles. This process helps to facilitate the chemical digestion of nutrients and the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.
