N3 Anatomy and Physiology (1st Sem AY 2022-2023)

The unique operations of the different components of the digestive system changes the consistency and structure of foods consumed. First, the food undergoes hydrolysis once it is in the mouth and we begin chewing. After chewing, the food turns into a bolus. Once the food is swallowed or the bolus ingested, it will be propelled to the stomach by the esophagus. Second, the process of hydrolysis and churning turns the bolus into chyme in the stomach. Then, when it reaches the small and large intestines, absorption begins. The small intestine is in charge of taking in nutrients while the large intestine or the colon takes in the more boring or basic stuff such as any residual water, ions, and vitamin K. After all the nutrients are absorbed, the next destination is the rectum which now holds what we call the feces before it is excreted. 

The small intestine, one of the body's primary digestive organs, is where most of the important nutrients from the food we eat are absorbed.  The small intestine can combine food with various digestive juices and enzymes to push for further chemical digestion. Bile (which is formed by the liver) enters through the bile duct, and enzymes produced by intestinal cells and the pancreas are transported to the duodenum by pancreatic ducts. After that, the small intestine's walls allow nutrients and water to enter the bloodstream.