Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Anatomy & Physiology

23. The Digestive System

Introduction to the Digestive System

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 14

Textbook Question

What are the six main processes of the digestive system?

Verified step by step guidance

The first process is **ingestion**, which involves the intake of food and liquids into the mouth. This is the starting point of the digestive system.

The second process is **propulsion**, which includes swallowing and the movement of food through the digestive tract via peristalsis (a series of wave-like muscle contractions).

The third process is **mechanical digestion**, where food is physically broken down into smaller pieces. This includes chewing in the mouth and churning in the stomach.

The fourth process is **chemical digestion**, where enzymes and digestive secretions break down complex molecules (like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) into simpler molecules that can be absorbed.

The fifth process is **absorption**, where nutrients from digested food are absorbed into the bloodstream or lymph through the walls of the small intestine.

The sixth and final process is **defecation**, which involves the elimination of indigestible substances and waste products as feces through the anus.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ingestion

Ingestion is the first process of the digestive system, involving the intake of food and liquids into the mouth. This process is crucial as it marks the beginning of digestion, where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes that initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates.

Digestion

Digestion refers to the chemical and mechanical breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable components. This process occurs in two stages: mechanical digestion, which involves physical actions like chewing and churning in the stomach, and chemical digestion, where enzymes and acids break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.

Absorption

Absorption is the process by which the nutrients from digested food are taken up into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This primarily occurs in the small intestine, where the surface area is maximized by villi and microvilli, allowing for efficient transfer of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the body for use.