Table of Contents
Digestion Definition
Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller pieces so that the body can use it to produce energy and build new cells. Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The digestive juices in the stomach and small intestine help to break down the food into smaller pieces. The food then moves into the large intestine, where the remaining water is absorbed. The remaining food is then eliminated as waste.
Digestion in the Small Intestine
The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive system and is responsible for the final stages of digestion and absorption of food. The small intestine is divided into three sections: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum.
The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine and is responsible for digesting carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The duodenum is lined with small projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption. The jejunum is the second section of the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing most of the nutrients from food. The ileum is the last section of the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing the remaining nutrients.
The small intestine is also home to the pancreas and the liver, which produce digestive juices that help to digest food. The small intestine is also covered with a layer of mucus, which protects the lining of the intestine and helps to absorb nutrients.
Dietary Fat Absorption Steps
The digestive system breaks down dietary fat into small droplets called micelles.
The micelles are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
The bloodstream carries the fat droplets to the liver.
The liver breaks down the fat droplets into fatty acids and glycerol.
The fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed into the body’s cells.
