What is the term for nutrients passing through the walls of the digestive tract into the bloodstream?

The correct term for nutrients passing through the walls of the digestive tract into the bloodstream is absorption. This process occurs primarily in the small intestine, where the digested food particles are taken up by the intestinal lining and then transferred into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, these nutrients are transported to cells throughout the body, where they will be utilized for energy, growth, and repair.

Digestion refers to the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components, which is a different process that occurs before absorption can take place. Assimilation is the subsequent step after absorption, where the absorbed nutrients are incorporated into the body's cells. Ingestion is the act of taking in food through the mouth, marking the beginning of the digestive process. Understanding these terms allows for a clearer comprehension of how the body processes food and utilizes nutrients.