Question

What is the slurry mass of food that forms in the mouth due to chewing called?

• A. Chyme
• B. Chyle
• C. Bolus
• D. Pellets

Hint:

Digestive Terminology.

• Bolus: Chewed food mixed with saliva in the mouth.
• Chyme: Partially digested food in the stomach/small intestine.
• Chyle: Lymphatic fluid with absorbed fats in small intestine.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

When food is taken into the mouth, it is mechanically broken down by chewing (mastication) and mixed with saliva. Saliva contains enzymes like amylase (for carbohydrate digestion) and mucus (for lubrication). The chewed, moistened, and partially digested mass of food that is ready to be swallowed is called a bolus.
- Chyme: Semi-fluid mass passed from the stomach into the small intestine.
- Chyle: Milky lymphatic fluid with emulsified fats from the small intestine.
- Pellets: Undigested food remains, often regurgitated by birds. Hence, the correct term is bolus.