How does the muscular system interact with the digestive system?
A.
Food is moved through the small intestine.
B.
Oxygen is moved into and out of the lungs.
C.
Saliva production increases at the sight or smell of food.
D.
Nutrients are absorbed and transported to other body parts.
The correct answer is D. Nutrients are absorbed and transported to other body parts.
To understand how the muscular system interacts with the digestive system, we need to be familiar with the functions of each system. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. The nutrients are then transported to other parts of the body to support various functions.
The muscular system plays a crucial role in this process. When we consume food, muscles in our mouth and throat help to chew and push the food into the esophagus. From there, the food travels down to the stomach with the help of muscular contractions called peristalsis. Peristalsis is a series of coordinated muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive tract.
Once the food reaches the small intestine, which is the primary site of nutrient absorption, the muscles in the intestinal walls contract and relax to mix the food with digestive enzymes and facilitate the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. These contractions, known as segmentation, help to maximize the contact between the food and the absorbing surfaces of the intestine.
After the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream, they are transported to other body parts through blood vessels. The circulatory system, which is closely connected to the muscular system, helps to distribute the nutrients throughout the body. Muscles in the blood vessels assist in pumping blood containing nutrients to different areas of the body.
In summary, the muscular system interacts with the digestive system by assisting in the movement of food through the digestive tract and promoting the absorption and transportation of nutrients to other parts of the body.