Peristalsis, previously mentioned in the esophagus, is also used in the small intestine to facilitate the passage of food and mix it with the digestive secretions of the pancreas and liver. Its first responsibility is the continuous degradation process, then the second and third responsibilities are the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. As the chyme moves through the small intestine, many molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream, and the small intestine has a very effective way to help in this process. The inside of the small intestine has finger-like projections called villi that raise the surface of the intestine. The contents of the small intestine begin as a semisolid and then end up in liquid form after passing through the organ. Bile enzymes, water and mucus contribute to the change in consistency. Then, once the nutrients have been absorbed and any remaining liquid food has been passed through the small intestine, it will move into the large intestine via the ileocecal.