Activity 1. The Food Journey

Activity 1. The Food Journey

Activity 1. The Food Journey

by John Michael De Guzman -
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1. How does the food change in consistency and form?

  • During the digestive process, food is constantly being changed in its consistency and its form. It starts at the mouth where chewing (mastication) breaks the food down into pieces and saliva mixes with it, forming a ball-like amalgam called a "bolus". Once it reaches the stomach (which has stomach acid) by going down the esophagus, the stomach produces enzymes, then mixing the food with digestive juices; the product of this process is released to the small intestine in the form of "chyme," which has a consistency similar to a thick liquid. After digestion and absorption happens in the small intestine, the semi-liquid material is sent to the large intestine where further absorption happens and changes the waste from liquid to a solid state called "stool". This is then stored in the rectum and is ejected out of the body through the anus.

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

  • Absorption of digested foods occurs in the intestines, mostly in the small intestine. The preceding organs helps in breaking down the food into smaller pieceswith the help of acids, digestive juices, and enzymesin order to easily absorb nutrients and water. The small intestine absorbs nutrients such as sugars, amino acids, and vitamins with the help of special cells with finger-like folds called villi. These absorbed materials are absorbed into the bloodstream and lymph system, then sent to organs that need them. On the other hand, the large intestine helps break down remaining vitamins and absorbs water.


Reference:

Your Digestive System & How it Works. (2024, October 7). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works