 To break down and absorb food

 physical digestion: breaking pieces of food into smaller pieces  chemical digestion: breaking food molecules into smaller molecules  absorption: food molecules pass through a cell membrane and enter blood stream

1. Pharynx 2. Mouth 3. Tongue 4. Stomach 5. Pancreas 6. Small Intestine 7. Rectum 8. Salivary Glands 9. Esophagus 10. Liver 11. Gall Bladder 12. Large Intestine 13. Appendix 14. Anus

 Mouth: Physical digestion where food is cut, torn and ground  Esophagus: Tube connecting the mouth to the stomach  Stomach: Acidic environment in which food is churned, chemical digestion and absorption begin  Small Intestine: Most chemical digestion and absorption occurs here

 Large Intestine: Absorbs water, produces vitamins and helps form stool  Appendix: Unused organ that may be associated with the immune system or producing vitamins  Rectum: Storage area for stool before egestion  Anus: The opening through which remaining material leaves the body

 Salivary Glands: Produces fluid which is used to moisten, soften and lubricate food  Pancreas: Produces many digestive enzymes and bicarbonate  Liver: Produces bile (and detoxifies blood)  Gall Bladder: Stores bile before it is released into small intestine

 The digestive system is essentially a long tube that food passes through. This is known as the gastro-intestinal or GI tract

 Food does not pass through the liver, gall bladder or pancreas. These are known as accessory organs.

 Ulcers: holes in the stomach lining  Diarrhea: improper absorption of water results in water stool  Crohn’s Disease: inflammation, cramping, bloating, gassiness, diarrhea and nausea  Heartburn: acid from stomach damages the lower esophagus  Lactose intolerance: ingestion of certain milk or milk products results in bloating, gas and/or diarrhea