How does the food change in consistency and form?
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Food undergoes changes in consistency and form through the process of digestion. Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and mixing with saliva, reducing the size of food particles. In the stomach, further mechanical churning and mixing transform the food into a semi-liquid state called chyme. In the small intestine, digestive enzymes and bile break down the chyme into simpler molecules, while the intestine's muscular walls contribute to its liquid consistency. The final result is the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream for energy production and other metabolic processes throughout the body.
How could the body absorb the nutrients from the foods we eat?
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Nutrients from the foods we consume are absorbed by the body through the process of digestion. After food is broken down into simpler molecules in the stomach and small intestine, these nutrients are transported across the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream. The absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, where specialized structures called villi and microvilli increase the surface area for maximum absorption. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are then transported to various cells and tissues throughout the body to support energy production, growth, and other metabolic processes.
References:
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Tortora, G. J., Derrickson, B., Grabowski, S. R., & Hogan, C. M. (2017). Principles of anatomy and physiology. Wiley.
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Van Putte, C. L., Regan, J., & Russo, A. F. (2020). Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology. McGraw-Hill Education.