Food and Digestion: Digestion Begins

The video explains the process of digestion, starting with mechanical digestion where food is physically broken down into smaller pieces. Saliva in the mouth moistens food, aiding in swallowing and beginning chemical digestion. Chemical digestion involves breaking down food with chemicals in the body. Both mechanical and chemical digestion work together throughout the digestive tract. After swallowing, food travels down the esophagus, which uses rhythmic contractions called peristalsis to move food along.

What is the primary function of mechanical digestion?

• To chemically alter food

• To physically break down food into smaller pieces

• To absorb nutrients

• To eliminate waste

How does saliva contribute to the digestion process?

• It absorbs nutrients

• It moistens food and begins chemical breakdown

• It transports food to the stomach

• It eliminates waste

What is the role of chemicals in chemical digestion?

• To transport food

• To moisten food

• To physically break down food

• To chemically break down food

What is the esophagus?

• A tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach

• A part of the small intestine

• A gland that produces saliva

• A muscle that breaks down food

What is peristalsis?

• The rhythmic contractions that move food down the esophagus

• The chemical breakdown of food

• The production of saliva

• The process of absorbing nutrients