Does digestion takes place all the time?

Digestion does not take place all the time. It is a process that occurs when we consume food and continues until the food has been broken down into smaller molecules and absorbed into the body.

Here is a general overview of the process of digestion:

1. Ingestion: This is the first stage of digestion and involves taking in food through the mouth.

2. Mechanical digestion: This occurs in the mouth and stomach where food is physically broken down. Chewing, grinding, and churning are all examples of mechanical digestion.

3. Chemical digestion: This begins in the mouth with the enzyme salivary amylase breaking down carbohydrates. It continues in the stomach, where gastric juices help to break down proteins, and in the small intestine, where various enzymes and secretions further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

4. Absorption: This is the process by which the broken-down nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The small intestine is the primary site of absorption.

5. Excretion: Any undigested material, along with waste products, is excreted from the body through the process of defecation.

Digestion typically occurs in response to the presence of food in the digestive system. It is controlled by various hormones and nerve signals that help to regulate the release of digestive juices and enzymes. Between meals, the digestive system is in a resting state, and digestion does not actively take place.