Mrs. Wharton’s Science Class Digestive System

Functions Breaks down food into molecules the body can use. Molecules are absorbed into the blood and are carried throughout the body Wastes are eliminated from the body.

2 Types of Digestion Mechanical Chemical Begins in mouth- uses teeth. Begins in mouth- using enzymes ( which aid in chemical digestion). Most mechanical and some chemical digestion occurs in the stomach.

Vocabulary Digestion- The process by which the body breaks down food. Absorption- Process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of your digestive system into the blood. Saliva- fluid released in your mouth.

Diagram Mouth Esophagus Stomach Large intestine Small intestine Rectum Anus

Vocabulary Pharynx- back of the mouth Enzyme- protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body Epiglottis- flap of tissue that seals off your windpipe. Esophagus- muscular tube that connects mouth to stomach.

Vocabulary Appendix- Small organ at the end of the large intestine Mucus- thick slippery substance produced by the body Peristalsis-involuntary waves of muscle contractions that move food from the esophagus toward the stomach.

Vocabulary Stomach- a “j” shaped muscular pouch located in the abdomen. Villi- finger like projections found in the small intestines. Liver- Produces digestive juice called BILE Gall Bladder- Stores Bile until needed by the body.