Digestion

Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body to provide energy and nutrients. It involves both mechanical and chemical processes that take place in the digestive system.

Organs Involved in Digestion

• Mouth: Chewing and mixing food with saliva
• Esophagus: Transporting food to the stomach
• Stomach: Mixing and churning food with digestive juices
• Small Intestine: Digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Large Intestine: Absorption of water and formation of feces

Mechanical Digestion

Mechanical digestion involves the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces. This occurs through actions such as chewing in the mouth and churning in the stomach.

Chemical Digestion

Chemical digestion involves the breakdown of food using enzymes and digestive juices. This process starts in the mouth with the action of saliva and continues in the stomach and small intestine.

Study Guide

1. What is digestion?
2. Which organs are involved in the digestion process?
3. What is the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion?
4. Describe the role of enzymes in chemical digestion.
5. Explain the process of absorption in the small intestine.