1. How does the food change in consistency and form?
- When we ingest food and masticate, physical and chemical breakdown of food occurs. The digestion of food turns it into bolus, which is a round mass that consist of the broken down food and saliva (and enzymes). When the bolus reaches the stomach, the enzymes turn it into chyme, which is more fluid. Once in the intestines (small and large), nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. When absorption is done, the undigested matter turns into solid matter and is passed through defecation.
2. How could the body absorb the nutrients from the foods we eat?
- Nutrients are absorbed when chyme passes through the small intestine. The inside of the small intestine, lined with villi, increases surface area in order for nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fat to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Plicae also allow chyme to move in a spiral motion instead of a straight line motion and increases surface area, enhancing nutrient absorption.