Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

What process describes the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream after digestion?

1. Digestion

2. Metabolism

3. Assimilation

4. Fermentation

The correct answer is: Assimilation

The absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream following digestion is referred to as assimilation. This process occurs after food has been broken down into its constituent nutrients in the digestive tract. Once nutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids, and simple sugars are liberated through digestion, they are transported across the intestinal lining into the bloodstream. From there, the nutrients are delivered to various cells throughout the body, where they can be utilized for energy, growth, and repair. Digestion itself is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, while metabolism encompasses all biochemical reactions in the body, including those that process nutrients after they have been assimilated. Fermentation, on the other hand, is a specific metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, primarily involving the breakdown of carbohydrates by microorganisms. Therefore, the term that best describes the absorption of nutrients post-digestion is assimilation, as it specifically highlights the movement of these essential nutrients into the body's systems for utilization.