<P> In mammals , preparation for digestion begins with the cephalic phase in which saliva is produced in the mouth and digestive enzymes are produced in the stomach . Mechanical and chemical digestion begin in the mouth where food is chewed , and mixed with saliva to begin enzymatic processing of starches . The stomach continues to break food down mechanically and chemically through churning and mixing with both acids and enzymes . Absorption occurs in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract , and the process finishes with defecation . </P>
<P> In mammals , preparation for digestion begins with the cephalic phase in which saliva is produced in the mouth and digestive enzymes are produced in the stomach . Mechanical and chemical digestion begin in the mouth where food is chewed , and mixed with saliva to begin enzymatic processing of starches . The stomach continues to break food down mechanically and chemically through churning and mixing with both acids and enzymes . Absorption occurs in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract , and the process finishes with defecation . </P>
where does the chemical breakdown of food begin
where does the chemical breakdown of food begin
in the mouth
in the mouth