This review emphasizes the following points: 1 The values of the physiological parameters of mastication (number of cycles and total electromyographic activity in the sequence, sequence duration, cycle frequency in the sequence, kinetic characteristics of the cycles) are characteristic of each individual and vary widely from one individual to another. In a given individual their modification reflects an adaptation of mastication to the size of the food bolus, and the hardness and rheological characteristics of the food. 2 The ready-to-swallow food boluses produced by different individuals nevertheless display similar particle size distributions. 3 Ageing entails adaptation of the masticatory function and does not impair swallowing. 4 Observed increase in total electromyographic activity shows that more energy is expended in mastication by full denture wearers. Despite this increased muscle activity, loss of teeth, even if compensated for by complete dentures, hinders the formation of a normal bolus. The food boluses made by denture wearers thus contain many large-size particles. The impaired mastication observed in denture wearers approaches the masticatory disabilities found in persons with neuromotor deficiencies.