1. Ingestion

👉 The process of taking food and liquids into the mouth.

• Chewing (mastication) breaks food into smaller pieces.

• Saliva, containing amylase, starts breaking down carbohydrates.

2. Propulsion

👉 Moving food through the digestive tract. This includes:

• Swallowing – The tongue pushes food to the back of the throat.

• Peristalsis – Wave-like muscle contractions push food down the esophagus and through the digestive system.

3. Mechanical and Chemical Digestion

👉 Food is broken down both physically and chemically:

(a) In the Stomach

• The stomach's muscle contractions churn food (mechanical digestion).

• Gastric juices (hydrochloric acid and pepsin) break down proteins (chemical digestion).

(b) In the Small Intestine

• The pancreas releases enzymes (amylase, lipase, and protease) to digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

• Bile from the liver and gallbladder helps break down fats.

4. Absorption

👉 Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and lymph system:

• The small intestine (especially the villi and microvilli) absorbs most nutrients (glucose, amino acids, fatty acids).

• The large intestine absorbs water, electrolytes, and vitamins produced by gut bacteria.

5. Assimilation

👉 The nutrients absorbed are transported via the bloodstream to body cells for energy, growth, and repair.

6. Elimination (Defecation)

👉 Removal of undigested material and waste products:

• The large intestine compacts waste into feces.

• The rectum stores feces until it is expelled through the anus.

✅ Summary of the Digestive Process in Order

1. Ingestion – Eating food.

2. Propulsion – Swallowing and peristalsis.

3. Mechanical and Chemical Digestion – Breakdown of food in the stomach and intestines.

4. Absorption – Nutrients absorbed in the small and large intestines.

5. Assimilation – Nutrients transported to cells.

6. Elimination – Waste removal through defecation.

This process ensures the body gets the energy and nutrients it needs to function properly.