What happens to a beef burger when its being swallowed?

- Chewing breaks the burger into smaller pieces, increasing their surface area for enzymes to work. Ptyalin, an enzyme in saliva, begins to break down the carbohydrates in the burger bun.

In the Esophagus

- The burger is propelled down the esophagus to the stomach through a series of involuntary muscle contractions called peristalsis.

In the Stomach

- Hydrochloric acid and pepsin, enzymes produced in the stomach, further break down the protein and carbohydrates in the burger. The stomach churns the food, mixing it with these digestive juices to form a semi-liquid substance known as chyme.

In the Small Intestine

- The chyme enters the small intestine, where it mixes with bile from the liver and pancreatic juice from the pancreas. Bile aids in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and protease, break down the remaining carbs, fats, and proteins in the burger. The small intestine has tiny finger-like projections called villi that increase the surface area for efficient nutrient absorption.

In the Large Intestine

- Undigested materials pass into the large intestine. Here, water is absorbed, solidifying the stool. Gut bacteria ferment indigestible plant matter, producing gases such as methane and carbon dioxide.

Elimination

- The processed waste eventually reaches the rectum, where it is stored until eliminated through bowel movements.