What is the process of chemical and mechanical digestion digestive system?
The process by which food is broken down into simpler components that can be absorbed into the body is called digestion. It is a complex process that involves both chemical and mechanical means.
Chemical digestion begins in the mouth, where the enzyme amylase, which is found in saliva, starts to break down carbohydrates. The food is then swallowed and enters the stomach, where it is further broken down by stomach acid and pepsin, another enzyme. The stomach acid kills most bacteria that enter the body and helps to break down proteins.
Mechanical digestion begins in the mouth, where the teeth break down food into smaller pieces. This process continues in the stomach, where the muscles of the stomach contract to churn and mix the food with the stomach acid and enzymes. The food then moves into the small intestine, where it is further broken down by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. The bile helps to break down fats, and the pancreas produces several enzymes, including lipases, proteases, and carbohydrases, which break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
The food is then absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. The undigested material moves into the large intestine, where water is absorbed, and the remaining waste is expelled from the body.