Ingestion

In animals, it normally is accomplished by taking in a substance through the mouth into the gastrointestinal tract, such as through eating or drinking.

In single-celled organisms, ingestion takes place by absorbing a substance through the cell membrane.

They may be mistaken for a medication pill because of their size and shape, or they may be swallowed after being held in the mouth while the battery is being changed.

Battery ingestion can cause medical problems including blocked airway, vomiting, irritability, persistent drooling, and rash (due to nickel metal allergy).

[4] Pica is an abnormal appetite for non-nutritive objects or for food items in a form not normally eaten, such as flour.