1. How does the food change in consistency and form?
Change in consistency and form of food is feasible during digestion when food passes through the digestive system or track. In the mouth, chewing or mastication happens and initiates the breaking down of food into smaller particles. At the same time, food is mixed with saliva to begin the process of chemical digestion, forming a bolus. Bolus is further broken down in the stomach through churning and mixing involving gastric juices breaking down proteins. In this stage, chyme is formed. Enzymatic digestion then takes place in the small intestine. The pancreas secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the breakdown of substances such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Additionally, the absorption of nutrients happens in the small intestine, which changes the consistency of the chyme to become more liquid. The remaining liquid proceeds to the large intestine, where water is absorbed, resulting in the thickening of the substance called the feces.
2. How could the body absorb the nutrients from the foods we eat?
Absorption of nutrients from our food mainly occurs in the small intestine. The small intestine is covered with tiny projections called Villi and Microvilli. These tiny structures increase the surface area available for the absorption of nutrients, such as amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and water, through the walls of the intestine. These absorbed nutrients are transported into the bloodstream and distributed to various cells and tissues.