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The Digestive Process

The digestive process involves breaking down food into absorbable components through ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination. Key organs such as the mouth, stomach, and small intestine play specific roles in mechanical and chemical digestion, while nutrients are absorbed primarily in the small intestine. Elimination of waste occurs in the large intestine, where indigestible substances are processed and expelled.

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୨・Ritz Joelle Margareth Sim・୧
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38 views12 pages

The Digestive Process

The digestive process involves breaking down food into absorbable components through ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination. Key organs such as the mouth, stomach, and small intestine play specific roles in mechanical and chemical digestion, while nutrients are absorbed primarily in the small intestine. Elimination of waste occurs in the large intestine, where indigestible substances are processed and expelled.

Uploaded by

୨・Ritz Joelle Margareth Sim・୧
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Digestive Process

Digestion
• Digestion is the biological process of breaking down food into smaller,
absorbable components through mechanical and chemical means so
that the body can absorb and utilize nutrients for energy, growth, and
repair.
Four Basic Processes/Stages of
Digestion
• Ingestion
• Digestion
• Absorption
• Elimination
1. INGESTION

The process of taking in food and liquids through


the mouth.

Function:
•Saliva, secreted by salivary glands, begins the
chemical digestion of carbohydrates using
enzymes like amylase.
•Chewing (mastication) mechanically breaks down
food into smaller pieces.
•The tongue and teeth help form a food bolus
(chewed food mixed with saliva) for easier
swallowing.
DIGESTION
The breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable molecules through
mechanical and chemical processes.

Types of Digestion:

Mechanical Digestion: Physical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing,


churning in the stomach).
Chemical Digestion: Enzymes and acids break down complex
molecules into simpler forms.
Digestive Organs and Their Roles:

1. Mouth: Salivary amylase breaks down


carbohydrates.

2. Esophagus: Moves food to the


stomach via peristalsis (wave-like muscle
contractions).
3. Stomach: Secretes
gastric juices
(hydrochloric acid and
pepsin) to digest proteins.
Small Intestine:
Pancreatic enzymes
(lipase, protease, and
amylase) and bile from
the liver further digest
fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates.
3. Absorption
•Definition: The transfer of nutrients from the
digestive tract into the bloodstream or lymph for
distribution to body cells.
•Location: Primarily in the small intestine.
•Key Structures:
• Villi and Microvilli: Increase the surface area
for absorption.
• Capillaries and Lacteals: Transport nutrients
into the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
•Nutrients Absorbed:
• Carbohydrates → Simple sugars (glucose)
• Proteins → Amino acids
• Fats → Fatty acids and glycerol
• Vitamins and minerals are absorbed as they
are.
4. Elimination
The removal of indigestible substances
and waste products from the body.
Process:
a. The large intestine absorbs water
and electrolytes from indigestible
food residue.
b. Beneficial bacteria in the colon
ferment undigested carbohydrates.
c. Feces are formed and stored in the
rectum before being expelled
through the anus during defecation.
Summary of the Digestive
Process
Group Seatwork #1: Diseases of
the Digestive System
DISEASE CAUSES SYMPTOMS TREATMENT
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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