What is the term for the process by which the body breaks down food into smaller components?

The term for the process by which the body breaks down food into smaller components is digestion. Digestion involves both mechanical processes, such as chewing and the churning of food in the stomach, and chemical processes, which include the action of enzymes that break down complex food substances into simpler ones. This process takes place in the digestive tract and is essential for converting food into nutrients that the body can absorb and utilize for energy, growth, and repair.

Metabolism, while related, refers to the broader set of biochemical processes that occur within the body, including both the breakdown of nutrients to produce energy and the synthesis of compounds required for bodily functions. Absorption specifically refers to the uptake of those nutrients after digestion has occurred, typically in the intestines. Fermentation is a specific type of metabolic process, often associated with the breakdown of carbohydrates by microorganisms, and is not a term that encompasses the entire digestive process. Thus, digestion is the most accurate term for the breakdown of food into smaller components.