Question: Check all that apply. What are THREE ways in which the body breaks down food mechanically? the intestines mix the food rhythmic constriction of the small intestine chewing with the teeth and mixing with saliva heating of food to over 120 degrees in the stomach compression of food by the esophagus food churning in the stomach Choose the best answer. Most digestion takes place in the _____. esophagus stomach small intestine large intestine Need Assignment Help?