THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. Digestion is the natural and complex process of through which food particles taken through the mouth are broken down into simpler and soluble particles.
The process of digestion takes place in six primary processes which include:
1. The ingestion of food.
Ingestion is the process of taking in food into the mouth. This is where the work of the digestive system begins. Once the food is in the mouth the teeth crush the moistened food into fine paste until it is ready to be swallowed. Digestion of food begins once ingestion of food takes place in the mouth.
2. Secretion of fluids and digestive enzymes.
Secretion of fluids and digestive enzymes refers to the process where the body releases fluids helpful in the digestive process. Various secretions take place in the digestive system. In the mouth the salivary amylase is secreted that helps digestion of starch. The stomach secretes enzyme pepsin that breaks down proteins. The small intestines release enzymes amylase, trypsin and lipase that help in digestion of starch, proteins and fats respectively.
3. Mixing and movement of food and waste through the body.
The movement of food takes place along a long digestive tract referred to as the alimentary …show more content…
Food moves to the small intestine from the stomach. The small intestine is divided into three parts. The duodenum, jejunum and the ileum. Food moves through the small intestine through peristalsis. The duodenum is involved in the further breakdown of food through the intestinal juice produced. The jejunum and the ileum are mainly responsible for the absorption of food nutrients into the body through the bloodstream (The digestive system and digestive disorders health centre 2013). The absorption of food takes place in small finger-like projections that are mainly referred to as villa. The remaining undigested material is passed on to the large
The process of digestion takes place in six primary processes which include:
1. The ingestion of food.
Ingestion is the process of taking in food into the mouth. This is where the work of the digestive system begins. Once the food is in the mouth the teeth crush the moistened food into fine paste until it is ready to be swallowed. Digestion of food begins once ingestion of food takes place in the mouth.
2. Secretion of fluids and digestive enzymes.
Secretion of fluids and digestive enzymes refers to the process where the body releases fluids helpful in the digestive process. Various secretions take place in the digestive system. In the mouth the salivary amylase is secreted that helps digestion of starch. The stomach secretes enzyme pepsin that breaks down proteins. The small intestines release enzymes amylase, trypsin and lipase that help in digestion of starch, proteins and fats respectively.
3. Mixing and movement of food and waste through the body.
The movement of food takes place along a long digestive tract referred to as the alimentary …show more content…
Food moves to the small intestine from the stomach. The small intestine is divided into three parts. The duodenum, jejunum and the ileum. Food moves through the small intestine through peristalsis. The duodenum is involved in the further breakdown of food through the intestinal juice produced. The jejunum and the ileum are mainly responsible for the absorption of food nutrients into the body through the bloodstream (The digestive system and digestive disorders health centre 2013). The absorption of food takes place in small finger-like projections that are mainly referred to as villa. The remaining undigested material is passed on to the large