What is chyme?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Chyme is a semi-fluid substance produced in the stomach from the breakdown of food through mechanical action and enzymes. It is released into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption into the body.

Step by step solution

01

Definition

Chyme is a semi-fluid substance that is the result of the initial stages of digestion. It is produced in the stomach from the mechanical and enzymatic breakdown of food.
02

Context

When food enters the stomach after being swallowed, it is mixed with stomach acids and enzymes, like pepsin, which begin the process of breaking down the food into a more absorbable form for the intestines. This mixture of food, stomach acids, and enzymes becomes chyme.
03

Function

Chyme is then slowly released into the small intestine, where it is further broken down by enzymes and absorbed into the body.

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