The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, large and small intestines, appendix, and rectum. Digestion actually begins in the mouth when food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Muscles in the esophagus push food into the stomach where it mixes with digestive juices. While in stomach, food is broken down into nutrients and turns into a thick liquid. The food then moves into the small intestine where more digestive juices complete the breaking down of the food. It is in the small intestines that nutrients are absorbed into the blood and carried throughout the body. The leftover material that is unusable by the body moves into the large intestines where the body absorbs the water that is contained before passing from the body through the rectum.

What event begins the digestive process?

Highlight the correct answer choice.

1. The small intestine absorbing nutrients
2. Muscles in the esophagus pushing food into the stomach
3. Chewing food and allowing it to mix with saliva
4. The esophagus