Page 41 - How It Works - Book of Amazing Answers To Curious Questions, 12

Science�------------------------------------------------�

U Rumbling is louder the
less food present in the small
intestine, which is partly why
people associate rumbling
tummies with hunger

Oesophagus
This muscular pipe connects
the throat to the stomach.

Stomach
Food is churned and mixed
with gastric juices to help it
to break down.

Small intestine
Here, liquid food comb1ned
with trapped gasses can
make for some
embarrassing noises.
large intesti;;e I
Food passes from the
small intestine to the
large intestine where it is
turned into faeces.

What mal<es our

tummies rumble?

Discover how the small intestine
is really to blame ...

aves ofinvoluntarymuscle occurs. Air from gaseous foods or air
contractions called peristalsis swallowed when we eat- often due to
W churn the food we eat to soften talking or inhaling through the nose
it and transport it through the digestive while chewing- also ends up in the small
system. The contractions are caused by intestine, and it's this combination of
strong muscles in the oesophagus wall, liquid and gas in a small space that causes
which take just ten seconds to push food the gurgling noise.
down to the stomach. Muscles in the Rumbling is louder the less food
stomach churn food and gastric juices to present in the small intestine, which is
break it down further. partly why people associate rumbling
Then, after four hours, the semi­ tummies with hunger. The other reason is
digested liquefied food moves on to the that although the stomach may be clear,
small intestine where yet more the brain still triggers peristalsis at
powerful muscle contractions force the regular intervals to rid the intestines of
food down through the intestine's bends any remaining food. This creates a hollow
and folds. This is where the rumbling feeling that causes you to feel hungry.

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