A primary function of the digestive system is the _________.
Multiple Choice:
- production of red blood cells
- transmission of nervous impulses
- destruction of toxic metabolic by-products
- breakdown of food into nutrients
Answer (2)
The primary function of the digestive system is the breakdown of food into nutrients.
In simple terms, digestion involves taking the food we eat and breaking it down into smaller components that can be absorbed into our bloodstream and used by our body to obtain energy, grow, and repair tissues. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how this process works:
Ingestion : The process begins when we eat food. It enters the mouth, where teeth break it down into smaller pieces through chewing, and salivary enzymes begin the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates.
Digestion : As the food moves down to the stomach, it is mixed with gastric juices, which contain enzymes and acids that further break down proteins and fats.
Absorption : The small intestine plays a crucial role as it absorbs the broken-down nutrients into the bloodstream. The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny finger-like structures called villi that help increase the surface area for better absorption.
Elimination : Any undigested food and waste products move into the large intestine, where water is absorbed, and the remaining material is prepared for elimination from the body.
By understanding this function, we can appreciate why it's important to maintain a healthy diet to ensure our body gets the nutrients it needs. So, the correct choice is: breakdown of food into nutrients .
The digestive system primarily functions to break down food into nutrients. This involves several stages, starting from ingestion and digestion, followed by absorption in the small intestine and elimination of waste. Thus, the selected answer is: breakdown of food into nutrients.
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