1. In the mouth, enzymes break down food into smaller molecules - amylase carbohydrates - sugars
2. The food then passes down the esophagus into the stomach where enzymes begin the digestion of proteins. Protease
3. The stomach also contains hydrochloric acid to provide the correct conditions for the enzymes
4. The churning of the stomach also turns the food into fluid, increasing the surface area for digestion
5. 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
6. The liver produces bile which helps to speed up the digestion of lipids. Bile also neutralizes the acid released from the stomach
7. In the small intestine the small food molecules produced by digestion are absorbed into the bloodstream either by diffusion or by active transport
8. The fluid makes its way through the large intestine where water is absorbed to the bloodstream