The process by which organisms take in food and break it down so can be used for metabolism?
Digestion is the process by which organisms take in food and break it down so it can be used for metabolism. Digestion is carried out by the digestive system, which consists of a series of organs that work together to break down food into smaller, simpler molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body.
The process of digestion begins in the mouth, where saliva breaks down carbohydrates. The food is then swallowed and travels to the stomach, where stomach acid and enzymes further break down the food. The food is then passed to the small intestine, where it is further broken down by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. The nutrients from the food are then absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and transported to the bloodstream. Any undigested food is passed to the large intestine, where it is eventually eliminated from the body.