Flow Chart Pathway Of Food Through The Digestive System
Have you ever wondered what happens to the food you eat after it enters your body? The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that your body can absorb and use for energy. Let's take a closer look at the flow chart pathway of food through the digestive system.
Mouth
The digestive process begins in the mouth. Your teeth and tongue break down food into smaller pieces, while saliva mixes with the food to begin the process of breaking down carbohydrates. The tongue then pushes the food towards the back of the throat, where it enters the esophagus.
Esophagus
The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It uses a series of muscular contractions to push food down towards the stomach. This process is called peristalsis.
Stomach
Once food enters the stomach, it is mixed with stomach acid and digestive enzymes. The stomach's muscular walls then contract to further break down the food into a liquid called chyme. This process can take several hours.
Small Intestine
The small intestine is where most of the nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream. The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption.
Large Intestine
After passing through the small intestine, any remaining waste enters the large intestine. The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from the waste, and bacteria in the large intestine break down any remaining nutrients.
Rectum and Anus
Finally, waste is stored in the rectum until it is ready to be eliminated from the body through the anus.
Understanding the flow chart pathway of food through the digestive system is important for maintaining good digestive health. A healthy digestive system is essential for overall health and well-being.