NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System Related

Review NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System related questions and content

Mechanical digestion begins in the:

  • A. mouth
  • B. stomach
  • C. small intestine
  • D. large intestine
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mouth. Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth where food is chewed and mixed with saliva, breaking down into smaller pieces for easier swallowing and digestion. This process increases the surface area of food for enzymes to act upon. The stomach (B) primarily performs chemical digestion, the small intestine (C) is where most chemical digestion and absorption occur, and the large intestine (D) is mainly responsible for water absorption and formation of feces. Thus, the mouth is the correct choice for the beginning of mechanical digestion.