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What happens to food after you swallow? Explained for kids
Muscles in the oesophagus squeeze the food down to the stomach, which churns it with juices. In the small intestine the useful parts, such as sugars, proteins, vitamins and minerals, pass into the blood. The large intestine takes back water, and what's left leaves the body when you go to the toilet.
Key facts
- Muscles in the oesophagus squeeze food down in waves; it takes about 2 or 3 seconds. (KidsHealth — Your Digestive System)
- The stomach churns and mixes food with digestive juices containing acids and enzymes. (KidsHealth — Digestive System (for parents))
- The small intestine is lined with millions of finger-like villi. (KidsHealth — Digestive System (for parents))
- Sugars, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals pass through the small intestine's wall into the blood. (healthdirect — Digestive system)
- The large intestine absorbs water, minerals and some vitamins. (healthdirect — Digestive system)
- What's left is solid waste, which leaves the body when you go to the toilet. (KidsHealth — Your Digestive System)
Explaining it to a child
- Your teeth bite and grind, and spit makes the food mushy.
- When you swallow, a little flap closes so food goes down the right pipe.
- Your tummy squishes and mixes the food.
- Your intestines take out the good bits for your body to use.
- The rest comes out when you go to the toilet.
The Munch-Crunch Club follows one bite of apple all the way through, in 3D, with every word spoken. Its guide for grown-ups lists every source.
Sources
- KidsHealth — Your Digestive System
- KidsHealth — Digestive System (for parents)
- healthdirect — Digestive system
Updated