Digestion Vocab Part 1

Front

The process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of the digestive system into the blood.

Back

Absorption

Front

The process that breaks down complex molecules of food into smaller nutrient molecules.

Back

Digestion

Front

A type of protein that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living thing.

Back

Enzyme

Front

Waves of smooth muscle contractions that move food through the esophagus toward the stomach.

Back

Peristalsis

Front

The finger-shaped structures that cover the inner surface of the small intestine and provide a large surface area through which digested food is absorbed.

Back

Villi

Front

Physically breaking down food substances into smaller particles to more efficiently undergo chemical digestion.

Back

Mechanical digestion

Front

Uses certain enzymes to break down nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into smaller molecules.

Back

Chemical digestion