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Digestive Process
Bonnie Branch 7th grade - 16-2 / The Digestive Process Begins
Term | Definition |
---|---|
digestion | The process by which the body breaks down food into small nutrient molecules |
absorption | The process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of your digestive system into your blood |
saliva | The fluid released when your mouth waters that plays an important role in both mechanical and chemical digestion |
enzyme | A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body |
epiglottis | A flap of tissue that seals off your windpipe and prevents food from entering |
esophagus | A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach |
mucus | A thick, slippery sunstance produced by the body that mmakkes food easier to swallow |
peristalsis | Involuntary waves ofmuscle contractions that move food down the esophagus towards the stomch |
stomach | A J-shaped muscular pouch located in the abdomen that expands to hold all of the food that is swallowed |