Digestion:
The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components in order to absorb nutrients into the blood stream.
Organs Involved:
Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestines, Large Intestines
Accessory Organs involved: liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
Four Digestive Processes:
Motility – movement of food along the GI tract
Secretion – water, electrolytes, enzymes, bile salts and mucus
Digestion – the conversion of complex molecules to their simples form
Absorption – the body takes in or absorbs the simple forms of molecules as well as water, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals
Featured
Relative energy deficiency in sport is a syndrome that occurs when an athlete does not consume enough food to replenish their energy stores. It is often accompanied with declining athletic performance and poor health.