can you help me with the steps of digestion?
Answer (1)
1. Ingestion (Mouth)Food enters the mouth.Mechanical digestion – Teeth break down food into smaller pieces.Chemical digestion – Saliva (contains the enzyme amylase) begins breaking down carbohydrates.2. Propulsion (Swallowing and Esophagus)The tongue pushes the food (now called a bolus) to the back of the throat.Swallowed food travels down the esophagus via peristalsis (muscle contractions).3. Stomach (Mechanical and Chemical Digestion)Food enters the stomach and mixes with gastric juicesHydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin begin breaking down proteins.The bolus becomes chyme, a semi-liquid mixture.4. Small Intestine (Most Digestion and Absorption)Chyme moves into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine).Liver releases bile (via the gallbladder) to break down fats.Pancreas releases enzymes to break down carbs, proteins, and fatsNutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal walls.5. Large Intestine (Colon)Remaining indigestible food and water enter the large intestine.Water and minerals are absorbed.Bacteria help ferment some remaining materials.Waste is formed into feces.6. Elimination (Rectum and Anus)Feces are stored in the rectum.Expelled from the body through the anus during defecation.[tex][/tex]
