Basic Digestive Processes

⭐ What are the 4 basic steps involved in the use of feed by livestock?

Digestion, absorption, circulation of absorbed nutrients, and cellular metabolism.

⭐ What is digestion?

The chemical and physical breakdown of nutrients in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in preparation for absorption.

⭐ Where does digestion occur?

In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

What causes chemical changes during digestion?

Enzymes, bacteria, and other microorganisms.

⭐ What is absorption?

The movement of nutrients through the wall of the GI tract and capillary walls into the circulatory system.

⭐ Where does most absorption occur?

In the small intestine.

What happens to absorbed nutrients?

They are circulated to individual cells where they are eventually utilized.

⭐ What is metabolism?

The sum total of chemical changes in the body.

What is the purpose of metabolism?

It makes energy available for the body's uses.

⭐ What is anabolism?

The building-up process; building molecules or tissues.

⭐ What is catabolism?

The breaking-down process.

What is the difference between anabolism and catabolism?

Anabolism builds up; catabolism breaks down.

⭐ What is cellular metabolism?

The chemical processes that occur within cells to use nutrients and make energy available.

What are the 4 basic processes to remember?

Digestion → Absorption → Circulation → Cellular Metabolism.

⭐ What happens during digestion?

Nutrients are physically and chemically broken down.

⭐ What happens during absorption?

Nutrients move through the intestinal wall into the circulatory system.

⭐ What happens during circulation?

Absorbed nutrients are transported to individual cells.

⭐ What happens during cellular metabolism?

Cells use the absorbed nutrients.