2.27 understand the processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion

Digestion: Process where large insoluble molecules are broken down into small soluble ones

Absorption: When soluble molecules taken from the small intestine are transported through the circulatory system (blood) to cells of the body

Assimilation: The absorption of nutrients into the body after digestion and the conversion of nutrients to living tissue (to make new cells)

Ingestion: To take into the body through the mouth

Egestion: to excrete waste products from the body (e.g. undigested products such as faeces)

Peristalsis: wave like contractions that move food through the digestive tract. It begins in the oesophagus when food is swallowed