“Stomatognathic Systems (Masticatory System)”  

Masticatory Systems

  In our body, the Stomatognathic System (Masticatory System), a body process system, includes the cheeks (bucca), mouth (entry to the oral cavity), teeth, jaws, pharynx, and related structures as they relate to mastication (chewing), deglutition (swallowing), and vocal articulation (speech). *

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“Mastication (Chewing)”  

  In our body's mouth, Mastication (Chewing), a stomatognathic system process, begins as an ingestion process continues as a mechanical digestion process when food is crushed and ground by teeth.
  In the mouth of our body, Mastication (Chewing) is part of the last step of ingestion and the first step of mechanical digestion, which increases the surface area of foods allowing more efficient break down by enzymes. **

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“Vocal Articulation (Speech)”  

  In and from our body, Vocal Articulation, a stomatognathic system process of speech, are the physical events of articulation made by the tongue, lips (labia oris), jaw, and other speech organs involved in making a sound. **

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“Deglutition (Swallowing)”  

Swallowing (Deglutition)

  In our body, Deglutition (Swallowing), a stomatognathic system process, is the act of taking solids and liquids from the mouth (entry to the oral cavity), through the pharynx, then into the esophagus, while shutting the epiglottis into the stomach.
  In our body, Deglutition (Swallowing), is an effortless motor activity controlled by the swallowing reflex with bilateral cerebral representation. **

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