How do the body functions of astronauts continue when they are in space?

Question

There is no gravity in space. Then how does food pass down the oesophagus? How do the blood and other body fluids move in a non gravity environment? How does water go down their food pipe? etc.

Answer 1

Our esophagus doesn't rely entirely on gravity. In fact, if it did it probably wouldn't work at all even on Earth. Food would get stuck in it all the time. It contracts and expands to push food along it.

Blood flows because the heart pumps it. Blood vessels in our body in which blood must flow upward have valves to help stop backflow of blood. Because there is no gravity in orbit, the heart actually has to work a bit less because it doesn't have to push blood against the gravity. In this way, the hearts of astronauts who stay in space for extended periods tend to get a bit weaker.

Answer 2

You can eat upside down on earth or lying down or whatever. Your body has muscles that push everything along properly no matter your orientation. Bats hang upside down all the time.

Answer 3

The food pipe is dependent onits muscles to push it down.

Answer 4

Muscle contractions move the food and liquids through the gut. C'mon!

Answer 5

Unofrtunately our astronauts starve while they are in space. It's a cruel thing, but someone has to put up our TV satellites.

Answer 6

Their mussels and bones start to break down. Also try to swallow something standing on your head, it will work because your esophagus contracts to push food down.

Answer 7

maybe there is no gravity inside our bodies, either

Answer 8

they drink and eat upside down.

Answer 9

they wear diapers!