Ingestion

Definition

Ingestion is the process of taking in food and liquids into the body through the mouth. It is the first step in the digestive process, where substances are prepared for digestion and absorption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ingestion involves both mechanical actions, such as chewing, and chemical actions, such as saliva mixing with food.
2. The oral cavity plays a crucial role in ingestion by breaking down food into smaller pieces.
3. Salivary glands secrete enzymes like amylase during ingestion to begin carbohydrate digestion.
4. Ingestion triggers reflexes that prepare other parts of the digestive system for incoming food.
5. Proper ingestion requires coordination of multiple structures including teeth, tongue, and esophagus.

Review Questions

Related terms

Digestion:

The process by which food is broken down into smaller components usable by the body.

Absorption:

The uptake of nutrients from digested food into the blood or lymphatic system.

Peristalsis:

A series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.