Content Transparency #3B

Use with Chapter 3, pp. 74–75

What is the mouth?

Your body has to digest food before your cells can use it. The
digestive system is made up of many organs that work together.
Chewing is the first step of digestion.

Teeth: Front teeth have a thin

shape to cut food when you
bite. Flatter teeth in the back
crush food as you chew.

Tongue: The tongue moves

food so it can be chewed and
swallowed. Tiny taste buds
on the tongue have nerves
that send taste signals to your
brain.

Salivary glands: These

glands make saliva. Saliva has
chemicals that digest food.
Saliva also makes food wetter
so it is easier to swallow.

Epiglottis: The epiglottis

moves to cover your windpipe
when you swallow. This
prevents food from going into
your lungs.
© Pearson Education, Inc.

Grade 5 • Life Science