**Maximum digestion takes place in the mesenteron of a cockroach.**

The mesenteron, also known as the midgut, is the middle part of the digestive system in a cockroach. It is responsible for the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients from the ingested food.

The mesenteron is a long and coiled tube that is lined with specialized cells called epithelial cells. These cells produce enzymes that break down complex food molecules into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed by the gut.

**Digestive enzymes in the mesenteron:**

The mesenteron of a cockroach contains various digestive enzymes that play a crucial role in breaking down food. These enzymes include:

1. Proteases: Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. They are secreted by the epithelial cells of the mesenteron and help in the digestion of protein-rich food.

2. Amylases: Amylases are enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates, such as starch, into simpler sugars like glucose. The mesenteron secretes amylases to digest carbohydrates present in the food.

3. Lipases: Lipases are enzymes that break down lipids or fats into fatty acids and glycerol. The mesenteron produces lipases to aid in the digestion of fat-containing food.

**Absorption in the mesenteron:**

Once the food is broken down into simpler forms by the digestive enzymes, the nutrients are absorbed by the epithelial cells lining the mesenteron. These cells have microvilli, which are tiny finger-like projections that increase the surface area for absorption.

The absorbed nutrients are then transported into the bloodstream and distributed to various parts of the cockroach's body for energy production and other metabolic processes.

**Other parts of the cockroach digestive system:**

While the mesenteron is primarily responsible for digestion, other parts of the cockroach digestive system also play important roles:

- Gizzard: The gizzard is a muscular organ located after the mesenteron. It helps in grinding and further breaking down food particles with the help of small stones or pebbles ingested by the cockroach.

- Crop: The crop is a storage organ located before the mesenteron. It temporarily stores food before it is passed on to the mesenteron for digestion.

- Oesophagus: The oesophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the crop. It allows the passage of food from the mouth to the crop.

However, the maximum digestion occurs in the mesenteron, where the food is broken down by enzymes and nutrients are absorbed by the epithelial cells.