What is the order of activities in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract?

The order of activities in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is accurately represented by the sequence that begins with ingestion, followed by mechanical and chemical digestion, then propulsion, absorption, and finally, defecation.

Ingestion is the initial step where food enters the mouth. This is followed by mechanical digestion, which involves the physical breakdown of food (such as chewing) to make it easier to swallow and digest. Next, chemical digestion occurs, where enzymes break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed. Propulsion refers to the movement of food through the digestive tract, which includes swallowing and the muscular contractions of peristalsis.

After the food has been adequately processed, absorption takes place, whereby the nutrients from the digested food are taken into the bloodstream. Lastly, any remaining waste products are excreted through defecation. This comprehensive sequence showcases the systematic process by which the body processes and uses food, making it the correct order of activities in the GI tract.