Digestion Nutrients and Digestion
Key Terms Digestion: Process that breaks down food to release nutrients into the body Absorption : Movement of nutrients into the bloodstream
Mouth Mechanical phase Teeth Chew Saliva breaks down food 1 st step in digestion
Esophagus 10 – 12 inches in length Connects mouth to stomach Peristalsis – the wavelike movements that push food to stomach Digestion becomes automatic/involuntary
Stomach (holding tank) Pouch – holds 4 cups food Gastric juices/acids are manufactured Begin to break down food into Chyme Order of digestion: – Carbs 1-2 hours – Protein 3-6 hours – Fats – 7 hours
Small Intestine Food is worked on by bile/pancreatic acid and intestinal juices Carbs – glucose Protein – amino acids Fats – fatty acids Villi fingerlike sponges – absorb the nutrients
Large Intestine Water is removed Waste dries out Waste leaves body through anus (Smelly World)