Explain the process of digestion and absorption in small intestine.
Answers
Explanation:
Digestion is the chemical breakdown of the ingested food into absorbable molecules. Absorption refers to the movement of nutrients, water and electrolytes from the lumen of the small intestine into the cell, then into the blood.
Digestion in the digestive system starts with the mouth. However, maximum digestion takes place in the small intestine. Small intestine is divided into 3 parts, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Pancreas and liver are connected to the duodenum region. They release digestive enzymes and bile respectively. Trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen are digestive enzymes released by the duodenum. These enzymes digest proteins. Bile and lipase digest fats. Amylase digests carbohydrates. Absorption of nutrients takes place in the jejunum and ileum parts of small intestine.