Where does digestion begin in the human body?

Digestion begins in the mouth, where both chemical and mechanical processes take place. Mechanical digestion occurs through the actions of chewing, which breaks down food into smaller pieces, increasing the surface area for enzymes to work on. At the same time, salivary glands secrete saliva, which contains enzymes like amylase that initiate the chemical digestion of carbohydrates. This dual action of mechanical and chemical breakdown is critical for preparing food for further digestion in the stomach and intestines. Thus, the mouth serves as the first site where digestion starts, laying the groundwork for the complex digestive processes that follow.