Digestion and Absorption: Key terms

Ingestion

Taking in food. Brings food into the digestion system so energy and nutrients can be obtained.

Mastication

Chewing. Breaks down food into smaller pieces.

Peristalsis

A series of muscle contractions that push food into a series of waves. Moves food through the different organs of the digestive tract.

Digestion

The breakdown of food. Makes food smaller and more able to be absorbed into the body.

Enzymes

Proteins that assist in the breakdown of food. Makes food absorbable by the body.

Absorption

When nutrients enter the bloodstream. This is so the bloodstream can carry the nutrients to all the cells in the body.

Elimination

When waste exits the body. Not all parts of the food can be absorbed, so the excess must leave the body.