Stomach

• What is the process of breaking down large food molecules into smaller ones called?

  Digestion
• How are small molecules absorbed during digestion?

  They are absorbed into the bloodstream.
• What happens to food in the mouth during digestion?

  • Food is chewed.
  • Enzymes in saliva begin to digest starch into smaller sugar molecules.
• What is the role of the oesophagus in digestion?

  The oesophagus delivers food to the stomach.
• What occurs in the stomach during digestion?

  • Enzymes begin the digestion of proteins.
  • The stomach contains hydrochloric acid to help enzymes digest proteins.
  • The churning action of stomach muscles turns food into a fluid, increasing the surface area for enzyme action.
• What is the function of the small intestine in digestion?

  • Chemicals are released into the small intestine from the liver and pancreas.
  • The walls of the small intestine release enzymes to continue the digestion of proteins and lipids.
  • Small food molecules produced by digestion are absorbed into the bloodstream.
• What does the pancreas release to aid digestion?

  The pancreas releases enzymes that continue the digestion of starch and proteins and start the digestion of lipids.
• What is the role of bile in digestion?

  Bile helps speed up the digestion of lipids and neutralizes the acid released from the stomach.
• How are small food molecules absorbed in the small intestine?

  They are absorbed either by diffusion or by active transport.
• What happens in the large intestine during digestion?

  • Fluid makes its way through the large intestine.
  • Water is absorbed into the bloodstream.