provided large surface area for maximum absorption of food
mouth
begins digestion of carbohydrates
stomach
begins digestion of protein; small molecules such as alcohol absorbed
small intestine
continues digestion of carbohydrate and protein; begins digestion of lipids. completes digestion of carbohydrates and proteins into single sugars and amino acids; absorption of single sugars, amino acids and fatty acids and glycerol
large intestine
absorption of water; egestion of undigested food
digestive enzymes
used to break down food in the gut into small, soluble molecules that can be absorbed through the gut wall
absorption
surface of small intestine wall is folded, has projections called villi (finger like projections in small intestine that provide large surface area for absorption of food)
