The digestive system

• Foods contain three main nutrients : carbohydrates proteins and lipids
• The three nutrients are to large to be absorbed into the bloodstream so they have to be digested
• Large food molecules are broken down by enzymes the molecules can then be absorbed into the blood
• Mouth - food is chewed in the mouth enzymes in the saliva begin to digest the starch into smaller molecules of sugar
• Stomach- the stomach enzymes begin the digestion of proteins the stomach contains hydrochloric acid which helps the enzymes work the churning action of the stomach muscles turn the food into fluid increasing the surface area
• Small intestine- chemicals Are released into the small intestine from the liver and the pancreas
• The pancreas releases enzymes which continue the digestion of starch and protein they also start the digestion of lipids
• The liver releases bile this speeds the digestion of lipids and neutralises acid from the stomach