The Digestive System

The undigested material goes through the large intestine. The water is absorbed and the material is made into solid waste that exits through the anus.

After digestion is complete, what happens to undigested material? Explain in 2-3 sentences and in your own words.

Through the capillaries that cover villi

Following digestion, how are nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream?

Partially digested food mixed with stomach acids

What is chyme?

Salivary Amylase

Which enzyme is responsible for starting the process of chemically breaking down the starches in food that enters the mouth?

When the food enters the mouth, it is covered in salivary amylase which aids in breaking down the starches in the food. When swallowed, the food goes through the esophagus and into the stomach. The acids mixing with the food create chyme which moves to the small intestine. In the small intestine, proteins are broken down into amino acids, carbohydrates into glucose, and fats into fatty acids. Villi covering the capillaries allow the broken down nutrients to enter the bloodstream. The undigested material goes to the large intestine where it becomes solid waste.

In your own words and in at least two paragraphs (3-5 sentences each), summarize the pathway of digestion beginning with the moment that food enters the mouth.