Ingestion

Definition

Ingestion is the process of taking in food, liquids, or medication into the body through the mouth. It marks the first step in the digestive process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ingestion involves both mechanical actions like chewing and chemical actions such as saliva mixing to begin digestion.
2. Medications taken orally are absorbed differently depending on their formulation and dissolution characteristics.
3. The oral cavity plays a critical role in breaking down food particles and initiating enzymatic processes.
4. Proper ingestion is crucial for effective drug administration and subsequent absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Ingested substances pass through the esophagus to reach the stomach where further digestion occurs.

Review Questions

• What are the key components involved in the process of ingestion?
• How does ingestion influence drug absorption and effectiveness?
• Why is proper chewing important during ingestion?

Related terms

Digestion: The process by which food is broken down into absorbable units.

Absorption:

The uptake of nutrients and medications from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream.

Oral Cavity:

The mouth area that includes structures like teeth, tongue, and salivary glands involved in initial digestion.