Digestion is the process of breaking down food particles into their building blocks. Chemical digestion means breaking the large molecules into smaller ones. Chemical digestion is done by enzymes produced in the salivary glands, stomach, and pancreas. In the stomach, molecules are broken into simple sugars, while in the small intestine, molecules are broken into amino acids. When food has been digested, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Small molecules such as water and glucose are absorbed into the small intestine, but most absorption takes place in the large intestine during the digestion process. The digestive system helps keep the body healthy by breaking down particles into molecules, which are able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body. It also removes materials from the body through the anus.
Questions:
Where is gastrointestinal absorption initiated?
What acid and enzyme aid in the process of absorption in the organ listed above?
Where does the main processes of carbohydrate breakdown, protein degradation, and fat emulsification primarily occur, resulting in the main absorption of nutrients within the body?
What is mainly absorbed in the large intestine?
What are the accessory organs of the GI system?
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What is their main purpose?
Where is bile secreted?
List the 5 functions of the liver:
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