Here's a breakdown:
* Digestion: The process of breaking down food into smaller molecules that the body can absorb.
* Absorption: The process where these smaller nutrient molecules (like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals) pass from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. This happens primarily in the small intestine.
* Transport: The bloodstream carries these absorbed nutrients to the body's cells, where they are used for energy, growth, and repair.
There are several mechanisms involved in absorption, including:
* Passive diffusion: Nutrients move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, requiring no energy.
* Facilitated diffusion: Nutrients move across the intestinal lining with the help of carrier proteins, still requiring no energy.
* Active transport: Nutrients move against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.
Absorption is a critical step in the digestive process, ensuring that the body receives the essential nutrients it needs to function properly.
