What are the two major functions of buccal cavity?

Answer

To answer the question about the two major functions of the buccal cavity, we can break it down step by step:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Buccal Cavity**:
- The buccal cavity, also known as the oral cavity, is the initial part of the digestive system. It is located in the mouth and plays a crucial role in the digestive process.

2. **Separation of Buccal Cavity**:
- The buccal cavity is separated from the nasal cavity by the palate, which consists of the hard palate (the bony front part) and the soft palate (the muscular back part).

3. **First Major Function - Mastication**:
- The first major function of the buccal cavity is **mastication**, which refers to the mechanical process of chewing food. This process involves the teeth breaking down food into smaller pieces, making it easier to digest.

4. **Second Major Function - Swallowing**:
- The second major function of the buccal cavity is **facilitation of swallowing**. After mastication, the chewed food is formed into a bolus (a soft mass of chewed food) that can be easily swallowed. The buccal cavity helps in pushing the bolus towards the pharynx for swallowing.

### Summary:
- The two major functions of the buccal cavity are:
1. Mastication (chewing of food).
2. Facilitation of swallowing (formation and movement of the bolus).