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The Digestive System. The digestive system has three main functions: Breaks food into molecules that the body can use. Molecules are absorbed into the blood and carried throughout the body. Wastes are eliminated from the body. The beginning digestive process
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The digestive system has three main functions: • Breaks food into molecules that the body can use. • Molecules are absorbed into the blood and carried throughout the body. • Wastes are eliminated from the body.
The beginning digestive process • Mechanical and chemical digestion begin in the mouth. • In the esophagus, contractions of smooth muscles push the food towards the stomach. • Most mechanical and some chemical digestion occur in the stomach.
The final digestive and absorption process • Almost all chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place in the small intestine. • Liver - bile - break up fats. • Pancreas - enzymes - breaks down starches, proteins and fats. • In the large intestine, water is absorbed into the bloodstream. The remaining material is eliminated.
