Digestion is defined as the process of breaking down large, insoluble molecules of food into smaller, water-soluble molecules which can then be readily absorbed by the body
Digestion is one among many life processes observed in nearly all living organisms. The process involves breaking down complex molecules into simpler molecules that can be readily absorbed by the body. In higher organisms such as humans, a “tube” exists for the purpose of digestion. Once the food molecules are broken down into simple molecules, they are absorbed into the blood plasma.
Other organisms, such as amoeba exhibit another form of digestion called phagocytosis. Here, the organism, usually a single-celled organism, uses its plasma membrane to engulf food particles, consequently giving rise to an internal component. Once inside, the food particles are broken down and absorbed. Some animals also exhibit unusual feeding behaviour due to shortcomings of their digestive system.
Animals such as hydra have only one opening in their digestive canal. Therefore they ingest food, digest it and egest it through the same opening. Higher animals have two openings in their digestive canal thus enabling continuous feeding.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Digestion
Q1
Define Digestion.
Digestion is the process of breaking down complex, insoluble molecules of food into smaller, simpler molecules which can then be readily absorbed by the body
Q2
What is phagocytosis?
This type of digestion is seen in unicellular organisms such as amoeba, where the organism’s cell membrane is used to surround and engulf the food particle and transfer it inside the cell for digestion.
FAQs
Digestion is the process of mechanically and enzymatically breaking down food into substances for absorption into the bloodstream.
What is the overview of digestive process? ›
The digestive system converts the foods we eat into their simplest forms, like glucose (sugars), amino acids (that make up protein) or fatty acids (that make up fats). The broken-down food is then absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine and the nutrients are carried to each cell in the body.
What is digestive system definition and explanation? ›
Your digestive system is a network of organs that help you digest and absorb nutrition from your food. It includes your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and your biliary system. Your GI tract is a series of hollow organs that are all connected to each other, leading from your mouth to your anus.
What are the 7 steps of digestion? ›
The processes of digestion include seven activities: ingestion, propulsion, mechanical or physical digestion, chemical digestion, secretion, absorption, and defecation.
What is digestion short answer? ›
Digestion is the process of mechanically and enzymatically breaking down food into substances for absorption into the bloodstream. The food contains three macronutrients that require digestion before they can be absorbed: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
What is the digestive process answer? ›
The processes of digestion include six activities: ingestion, propulsion, mechanical or physical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, and defecation. The first of these processes, ingestion, refers to the entry of food into the alimentary canal through the mouth.
What does digestive mean? ›
adjective. serving for or pertaining to digestion; having the function of digesting food: the digestive tract. promoting digestion.
What is digestive system in simple sentence? ›
Your digestive system is the system in your body that digests the food you eat. It appeared he had a problem with his digestive system which had stopped working properly.
What is the definition of stomach digestive system? ›
The stomach is a J-shaped organ that digests food. It produces enzymes (substances that create chemical reactions) and acids (digestive juices). This mix of enzymes and digestive juices breaks down food so it can pass to your small intestine. Your stomach is part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
How does digestion occur? ›
Digestion works by moving food through the GI tract. Digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and ends in the small intestine. As food passes through the GI tract, it mixes with digestive juices, causing large molecules of food to break down into smaller molecules.
Figure 2. The digestive processes are ingestion, propulsion, mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, and defecation. Some chemical digestion occurs in the mouth. Some absorption can occur in the mouth and stomach, for example, alcohol and aspirin.
What are the 4 stages of digestion explain? ›
There are four stages in the digestive process: intake, chemical and mechanical degradation of food, nutrients' absorption, and removal of indigestible food. Mechanical degradation of food is done by mouth, while chemical degradation is performed by stomach.
What is the digestive system summary? ›
The digestive system breaks down food into simple nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These can then be absorbed into your blood, so your body can use them for energy, growth and repair. Anything that isn't used is waste, and leaves the body as faeces (poo).
What is a brief overview of the gastrointestinal system? ›
The gastrointestinal system includes the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. It also includes the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which make digestive juices and enzymes that help the body digest food and liquids.
What are the 4 main processes of the digestive system? ›
Motility, digestion, absorption and secretion are the four vital functions of the digestive system.
What is the correct sequence of the digestive processes? ›
The Correct Answer is Ingestion-Digestion-Absorption-Assimilation-Egestion.
