Teeth & Digestion | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Types of Human Teeth

• Mechanical digestion involves breaking down food into smaller pieces without changing the chemical composition of food molecules. This process is primarily accomplished through actions like chewing, stomach churning, and emulsification of fats by bile in the duodenum.
• Teeth are firmly rooted in the jawbone and play a crucial role in chewing food to enhance the food's surface area. This exposure facilitates interactions with saliva and other digestive juices, leading to quicker breakdown of food.

Teeth Structure and Functions

• Teeth play a crucial role in the digestive process by increasing the surface area of food for better exposure to saliva and digestive juices, aiding in quicker breakdown.

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

• Incisors: These front teeth are chisel-shaped and are used for biting and cutting food.
• Canines: Pointed teeth that are used for tearing, holding, and biting food.
• Premolars and Molars: These teeth have larger, flat surfaces with ridges, ideal for chewing and grinding up food.

Structure of a Tooth

• Overview of a Typical Tooth:
  • A tooth is a hard structure in the mouth used for biting and chewing food.
  • It consists of different parts, including the crown, neck, and root.
  • Each part of the tooth has a specific function in the process of digestion.
• Composition of a Tooth:
  • Enamel: The outermost layer of the tooth that protects it from wear and tear.
  • Dentin: A hard tissue beneath the enamel that gives the tooth its structure.
  • Pulp: The innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
• Functions of Different Tooth Structures:
  • Crown: The visible part of the tooth that helps in biting and chewing food.
  • Neck: The junction between the crown and the root that supports the tooth.
  • Root: Anchors the tooth in the jawbone and provides stability.
• Tooth Structure and Digestion:
  • Teeth play a crucial role in the mechanical breakdown of food during digestion.
  • Each type of tooth (incisors, canines, molars) has a specific function in chewing and grinding food.
  • Proper tooth structure is essential for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.