_____in saliva helps in lubrication and adhering the masticated food particles into a_____

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Components of Saliva**: Saliva is a fluid secreted by salivary glands in the mouth. It contains various components, including water, electrolytes, enzymes, and mucus.

2. **Role of Mucus in Saliva**: Mucus is a key component of saliva that serves multiple functions, one of which is lubrication. It helps in moistening the food particles that we chew.

3. **Mastication of Food**: When we eat, our teeth break down the food into smaller particles through the process of mastication (chewing). This process is essential for increasing the surface area of food for better digestion.

4. **Formation of Bolus**: As the masticated food particles mix with saliva, the mucus in the saliva helps to adhere these particles together. This mixture forms a cohesive mass known as a bolus.

5. **Transportation of Bolus**: The bolus is then pushed to the back of the mouth and travels down the pharynx and into the esophagus for further digestion.

6. **Final Answer**: The blank in the question can be filled as follows: "Mucus in saliva helps in lubrication and adhering the masticated food particles into a bolus."

**Final Answer**: Mucus in saliva helps in lubrication and adhering the masticated food particles into a bolus.

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