GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

The function of the gastrointestinal tract is to transform food into soluble substances that can be absorbed through the tissues.
This result is obtained through two types of actions: one mechanical and the other chemical.
The mechanical action includes:

chewing: the food is ground by the teeth;
mixing: the muscular walls of the stomach mix the food with the gastric juices;
peristalsis: the undulating movement of the muscles of the digestive system which moves food along its various sections.

The chemical action transforms:

carbohydrates into sugars;
proteins into amino acids;
triglycerides in fatty acids and glycerol.