Digestive Processes

What does mechanical digestion consist of?

Chewing (mouth) Churning (stomach) Segmentation (small intestine)

Briefly explain digestion and absorption.

Digestion begins in the mouth and continues as food travels through the small intestine. Most absorption occurs in the small intestine.

What is the digestive processes?

Ingestion, propulsion, mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, and defecation.

What happens in the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus area?

Mechanical digestion includes chewing and swallowing. Chemical digestions of carbohydrates and fats.

What happens in the small intestines?

Mechanical digestion includes mixing and propulsion, primarily by segmentation. Chemical digestion of carbohydrates, fats, polypeptides, and nucleic acids. Absorption of peptides, amino acids, glucose, fructose, fats, water, minerals, and vitamins.

What happens in the stomach?

Mechanical digestion includes peristaltic mixing and propulsion. Chemical digestion of proteins and fats. Absorption of lipid-soluble substances such as alcohol and aspirin.

What happens in the large intestines?

Mechanical digestions includes segmental mixing and propulsion. No chemical digestion, except by bacteria. Absorption of ions, water, minerals, vitamins and organic molecules.

What does absorption consist of?

Nutrients and water to blood vessels and lymph vessels (small intestine) Water to blood vessels (large intestine)

What does propulsion consist of?

Swallowing (oropharynx) Peristalsis (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine)