In the context of digestion, bolus is best described by which of the following options?

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) A mixture of food and saliva formed during chewing

Explanation:

• A bolus is the soft, rounded mass of chewed food mixed with saliva.
• It is formed in the mouth during mastication (chewing).
• The bolus is then pushed into the pharynx and esophagus for further digestion.

Information Booster:

• Saliva contains amylase, which begins the digestion of starch.
• Bolus formation helps in smooth swallowing.
• Proper chewing increases the surface area of food for enzymatic action.
• The bolus becomes chyme after mixing with gastric juices in the stomach.

Additional Knowledge:

• Enzyme (a): Pancreas produces enzymes like trypsin, lipase, amylase—not called bolus.
• Hormone (b): Gastrin is a digestive hormone, not bolus.
• Digestive fluid (c): Intestinal glands release mucus and enzymes, but this is not bolus.