Digestive system - The process of digestion

• The stomach is the organ that receives food from the esophagus, mixes it with digestive juices, and stores it until it can be digested.
• The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested material to form feces.
• The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs through villi and microvilli.
• Feces are stored in the rectum until they leave the body through defecation.
• Digestion begins when food enters the mouth and is mixed with saliva containing enzymes such as amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
• Mechanical digestion involves physical breakdown of food by chewing and grinding teeth.
• Salivary glands secrete saliva, which contains an enzyme called amylase that starts breaking down starch molecules into smaller sugar units.
• Chemical digestion uses enzymes produced by various organs to break down carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other substances.
• Pancreatic juice contains enzymes that aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
• The tongue mixes food with saliva to form a bolus (food ball) that is pushed towards the pharynx.