The Digestive Process: Transforming Food into Absorbable Nutrients

After the initial breakdown in the mouth, digestion continues throughout the ______ ______.

Initial food processing location in humans

Primary organ for protein digestion initiation

Role of pancreatic enzymes and bile in digestion

The ______ acts as a storage organ that begins the protein breakdown process and blends food with digestive fluids.

Most digestion and nutrient uptake happens in the ______, aided by villi and microvilli that increase the surface area.

The ______, also known as the large intestine, absorbs water and electrolytes, vitamins from gut bacteria, and forms waste for elimination.

In addition to its other functions, the colon aids in absorbing nutrients like ______ produced through bacterial fermentation.

Vertebrate digestive system characteristics

Fungal digestion mechanism

Arthropod pre-digestion example

Birds have ______ adapted to their dietary requirements.

Ruminants, such as ______, have a complex ______ for processing plant-based diets.

Certain ______ can expel inedible substances by turning their ______ inside out.

To maximize nutrient absorption, ______ like rabbits practice ______, re-eating their feces.

Cephalic phase triggers

Gastric phase activation

Intestinal phase hormones

______, when digested, are turned into fatty acids and ______ with the help of bile and pancreatic lipase.

Digestive enzymes such as ______ and ______ convert carbohydrates into monosaccharides.

After digestion, smaller molecules like amino acids and monosaccharides are absorbed into the ______ via the ______ wall.

pH range in mouth, esophagus, pharynx