Physical or Chemical? Digestion

Front

What is digestion?

Back

Digestion is the process by which the body breaks down food into smaller components that can be absorbed and utilized for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Front

What is the difference between physical and chemical digestion?

Back

Physical digestion involves the mechanical breakdown of food (e.g., chewing), while chemical digestion involves the breakdown of food through chemical reactions (e.g., enzymes breaking down carbohydrates).

Front

What role do enzymes play in digestion?

Back

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body, including the breakdown of food into nutrients.

Front

What is peristalsis?

Back

Peristalsis is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Front

What happens in the mouth during digestion?

Back

In the mouth, food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the chemical digestion of carbohydrates.

Front

What is the function of saliva in digestion?

Back

Saliva moistens food and contains enzymes that start the chemical digestion of carbohydrates.

Front

What is the esophagus?

Back

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat (pharynx) with the stomach and transports food through peristalsis.

Front

What is the stomach's role in digestion?

Back

The stomach further breaks down food using gastric juices, which contain hydrochloric acid and enzymes, leading to chemical digestion.

Front

What is the small intestine's function in digestion?

Back

The small intestine is where most chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occurs, aided by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.

Front

What is the large intestine's role in digestion?

Back

The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter and compacts waste into feces.