What does ingestion refer to?

Ingestion specifically refers to the process of taking food into the body, which is a crucial first step in the overall digestive process. It involves the act of eating or drinking, allowing food and liquids to enter the gastrointestinal system. This process is essential for initiating digestion, where later stages involve breaking down the food chemically and facilitating nutrient absorption.

The other options describe different aspects of digestion or bodily functions. The first choice focuses on the chemical breakdown of food, which occurs after ingestion. The third option deals with the elimination of waste products, and the last choice pertains to the distribution of nutrients to cells, both of which happen later in the metabolic process. Thus, the correct definition of ingestion clearly aligns with the understanding that it is solely about the intake of food and drinks into the body.