Final answer:
Digestion is the process of breaking down foods into smaller units. It involves both mechanical and chemical processes and occurs in the digestive system. After digestion, the small nutrient molecules are absorbed into the blood for transport throughout the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Digestion is the breaking apart of foods into smaller units that the body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and repair. It is a process that occurs in the digestive system, starting in the mouth and ending in the small intestine. Digestion involves both mechanical (physical) and chemical processes. Mechanical digestion happens when food is physically broken down into smaller pieces, while chemical digestion involves the breakdown of large food molecules into smaller nutrient molecules. Absorption is the process that occurs after digestion. Once the food is broken down into small nutrient molecules, these molecules are absorbed by the blood in the small intestine. They are then transported throughout the body to provide nourishment.