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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 |