How do cephalopod beaks and radulas process food?

In cephalopods, food processing is facilitated by two specialized structures: the beak and the radula.

The beak is a powerful, parrot-like structure used to bite and break down prey. Complementing this is the radula, a horny, ribbonlike organ found in the mouths of all mollusks except bivalves. The radula is supported by a cartilage-like mass called the odontophore and is covered with rows of small teeth known as denticles.1

These structures function together to process food in the following ways:
* Drilling and Rasping: The radula can be protruded from the mouth to drill holes into prey or to rasp food particles from a surface.1
* Continuous Replacement: As the teeth on the radula are worn away at the front through use, new sections are constantly produced to replace them.1

While cephalopods are highly intelligent predators that use various hunting strategies, these anatomical tools are essential for their ability to consume a wide range of prey.2