Final answer:
The statement that mastication is simply known as chewing is true. Mastication involves teeth and saliva in the oral cavity to mechanically and chemically break down food before swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of mastication is indeed simply known as chewing, which is true. Mastication is the first step of the digestive process, which begins in the oral cavity when food is taken into the mouth. All mammals have teeth adapted for mastication. For example, your front teeth (incisors and canines) cut and tear food when you bite into it, while your back teeth (molars) grind food into smaller pieces when you chew. Adding saliva to food during mastication initiates the chemical breakdown of food and mechanically breaks food down into smaller particles, increasing the surface area for digestion. The tongue also plays a critical role by pushing the food to the back of the mouth, forming a bolus that can be swallowed and sent down the esophagus to continue the digestion process.