What is Digestion?
Science: Year 3 & 4 National Curriculum, topic 7.2.1
What is Digestion?
In order to grow, humans and other animals need key nutrients from their food. Key nutrients are things like fats, proteins and simple sugars. We get the nutrients through the process of digestion.
Digestion
- The nutrients that humans and animals need are often ‘locked-up’ in larger pieces of food.
- These nutrients need to be broken down so they can be absorbed into the body.
Digestion
- Digestion is the process of breaking down and absorbing nutrients.
The Digestive System
The digestive system is one long tube that is coiled up inside our bodies.
Location of the digestive system
- The digestive system goes from the mouth to the anus.
- 'Anus' is the word scientists use for our bottoms.
Length of the digestive system
- The tube can be up to 9 metres long.
Test yourself on What is Digestion?
Why do nutrients need to be broken down in digestion?
Which of these is true about digestion?
How long can the digestive system be?