N3 Anatomy and Physiology AY 2023-2024

How does the food change in consistency and form?

Food undergoes a series of transformations during digestion. In the mouth, chewing by teeth and interaction with saliva initiate the breakdown. The food then travels through the esophagus to the stomach, where acid and enzymes further break it down into a liquid or paste. Moving into the small intestine, the duodenum continues the breakdown, while the jejunum and ileum absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. Throughout this process, the consistency changes from semi-solid to liquid, facilitated by water, bile, enzymes, and mucus. These digestive processes ensure effective nutrient absorption for the body's nourishment.

How could the body absorb the nutrients from the foods we eat? 

The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb digested food molecules, along with water and minerals, and transport them to various parts of the body for storage or additional chemical processes. Specialized cells within the intestinal lining facilitate the passage of absorbed materials into the bloodstream. The bloodstream then conveys simple sugars, amino acids, glycerol, and certain vitamins and salts to the liver. Similarly, the lymphatic system, a network of vessels circulating white blood cells and a fluid known as lymph throughout the body, is responsible for absorbing fatty acids and certain vitamins.