How does mechanical digestion differ from chemical digestion?

Mechanical digestion is primarily concerned with the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, which aids in increasing the surface area for subsequent chemical digestion. This process includes actions such as chewing (mastication), the churning of food in the stomach, and the mixing of food with digestive juices. By breaking food into smaller, more manageable pieces, mechanical digestion sets the stage for enzymes and acids to effectively perform their roles in chemical digestion.

Chemical digestion, on the other hand, involves the biochemical breakdown of food substances into simpler molecules through enzymatic action. This process transforms complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into their constituent sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids, which can then be absorbed by the body.

Understanding that mechanical digestion is a physical process helps clarify the distinct functions of the digestive system's mechanical and chemical processes.