Which component of the digestive system is responsible for both mechanical and chemical digestion?

The mouth is responsible for both mechanical and chemical digestion, making it the correct choice. Mechanical digestion occurs in the mouth primarily through the action of chewing, where teeth break down food into smaller particles, making it easier to swallow and digest. This process increases the surface area of the food, facilitating more efficient enzyme action.

Simultaneously, chemical digestion begins in the mouth as saliva, produced by salivary glands, contains enzymes like amylase that start breaking down carbohydrates. This combination of mechanical processing and enzymatic action in the mouth sets the stage for further digestion in the stomach and small intestine.

The stomach is primarily involved in further breaking down food through mechanical mixing and the secretion of gastric juices, but its role is more focused on chemical digestion of proteins. The small intestine is crucial for chemical digestion and nutrient absorption, but mechanical digestion is less pronounced compared to the mouth and stomach. The colon mainly functions in absorbing water and forming waste, with limited involvement in digestion.