Digestion Flashcards
What is digestion?
The process by which food is broken down into smaller pieces and simple chemical compounds that can be absorbed and used as nutrients by the body
What is physical digestion?
The breakdown of food into smaller pieces without any changes to the molecules of the food.
What is chemical digestion?
The breakdown of large food molecules into smaller molecules by the action of stomach acids and enzymes
Peristalsis
The involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestinal tract, creating a wave like movement which pushes the contents forwards.
What happens in the large intestine?
Water from the food absorbs back into the body
Bacterial digestion
What happens in the stomach?
Chyme is formed
Proteins are broken down by hydrochloric acid
What happens in the small intestine?
Chemical digestion occurs (amino acids, vitamins)
Peristalsis
Molecule breakdown of fats, proteins and carbs
