
Concept explainers
To test your knowledge, discuss the following topics with a study partner or in writing ideally from memory.
24.1 Digestive Processes and General Anatomy
1. The essential function of the

To analyze:
The essential function of the digestive system and the five stages in which it performs this function.
Introduction:
The primary purpose of the digestive system is to break down the nutrients in the forms which can be used by the body and to absorb them so they can be distributed to the tissues.
Explanation of Solution
The main functions of digestive system are processing food, extracting nutrients from it and eliminating the residue. Digestive system achieves these functions in five stages.
- Ingestion: the process of taking food or another substance into the body
- Digestion: the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into a form usable by the body.
- Absorption: the uptake of nutrients into the blood and lymph.
- Compaction: absorbing water and consolidating the indigestible residue into feces.
- Defecation: elimination of feces.
The five stages of digestive system are ingestion, digestion, absorption, compaction and defecation.
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Chapter 24 Solutions
Laboratory Manual for Human Anatomy
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