What happens to food that is not digested?

Food that is not digested passes through the large intestine, where water is absorbed and the remaining material is formed into stool. Stool is then stored in the rectum until it is passed out of the body through the anus.

The process of digestion begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that begin to break down carbohydrates. Food then travels to the stomach, where it is mixed with stomach acid and churned to further break it down. The stomach also produces enzymes that help to break down proteins.

From the stomach, food moves to the small intestine. The small intestine is lined with villi, which are small projections that help to absorb nutrients from food. The small intestine also produces enzymes that help to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Any food that is not digested in the small intestine passes into the large intestine. The large intestine is home to bacteria that help to break down some of the remaining nutrients in food. The large intestine also absorbs water and electrolytes from food.

The remaining material, known as stool, is stored in the rectum until it is passed out of the body through the anus.