Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology
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(Physical Digestion)
Human Teeth & Digestion
Human Teeth & Digestion: The First Step in Breaking Down Food
Your teeth are like tiny tools, each with a special job to help start the digestion process. Together with other parts of the digestive system, they prepare food for chemical digestion.
Types of Human Teeth and Their Functions
| Type of Tooth | Shape | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | Sharp and flat | Cutting and biting food into smaller pieces. |
| Canines | Pointed and sharp | Tearing and ripping food. |
| Premolars | Flat with ridges | Crushing and grinding food. |
| Molars | Larger with ridges | Powerful grinding and breaking down tough food. |
Fun Analogy:
Imagine your teeth as kitchen tools:
- Incisors = knives for cutting.
- Canines = scissors for tearing.
- Premolars and Molars = blenders for grinding.
Structure of Human Teeth
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Enamel | Hard, white outer layer that protects the tooth. |
| Dentine | Found beneath the enamel; supports it and contains tiny channels for sensing heat and cold. |
| Pulp | The soft inner core containing nerves and blood vessels. |
| Cement | Covers the tooth root and anchors it to the jawbone. |
| Nerves and Blood Vessels | Found in the pulp; help keep the tooth alive. |
| Bone and Gums | Hold the teeth in place and protect their roots. |
Tuity Tip
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Teeth Are Tools: Each type of tooth is specialized for its role in physical digestion.
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