What term refers to the mechanical or chemical breakdown of food?

The term that refers to the mechanical or chemical breakdown of food is digestion. This process begins in the mouth, where food is physically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes that start the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates. This process continues in the stomach and small intestine, where various enzymes further break down the food into its constituent nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Digestion is critical because it transforms the food we consume into smaller, absorbable components that the body can utilize. This leads to the subsequent processes of absorption and assimilation. Without digestion, nutrients would remain too large to be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body for energy, growth, and repair.

Understanding this term in the context of the digestive system underscores its importance in nutrition and the overall functioning of the body.