Answer:
Step 1: Ingestion
When you drink an alcoholic beverage, the alcohol (ethanol) enters your mouth and is swallowed. The alcohol then passes through the esophagus and into the stomach.
Step 2: Absorption
In the stomach, the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining. The rate of absorption depends on several factors, such as:
The concentration of alcohol in the drink
The presence of food in the stomach
The individual's body weight and composition
Step 3: Distribution
Once absorbed, the alcohol is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It is carried to the liver, where it is metabolized.
Step 4: Metabolism
In the liver, an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) breaks down the alcohol into acetaldehyde. This process is known as oxidation.
Step 5: Conversion to Acetate
The acetaldehyde is then converted into acetate by another enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
Step 6: Elimination
The acetate is then eliminated from the body through the kidneys and excreted in the urine. A small amount of alcohol is also exhaled through the lungs.
Step 7: Effects on the Body
As the alcohol is distributed throughout the body, it affects various systems, including:
The central nervous system (CNS), causing impairment, intoxication, and potential damage
The digestive system, causing nausea, vomiting, and stomach irritation
The cardiovascular system, causing changes in blood pressure and heart rate
Step 8: Elimination Rate
The rate at which the body eliminates alcohol is approximately 0.015-0.020 grams per 100 milliliters of blood per hour. This means that the body can eliminate about 1 standard drink per hour.
Explanation: