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Physical Digestion

Exam code: 5090
Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

Physical Digestion

Physical Digestion

  • Physical digestion (sometimes referred to as mechanical digestion) is the breakdown of food into smaller pieces without chemical change to the food molecules

  • The processes that take place during physical digestion help to increase the surface area of food for the action of enzymes during chemical digestion

  • It is mainly carried out by the chewing action of the teeth, the churning action of the stomach and the emulsification of fats by bile in the duodenum