Digestive System By: Nicole Santana

Definition Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components. Also, is a form of catabolism, which is a breakdown of large food molecules to smaller food molecules.

Diseases/Disorders Achalasia: which the ability of the esophagus to move toward the stomach. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-is a condition in which the stomach contents leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus, which causes heartburn. Gastroparesis- is a condition that reduces the ability of the stomach to empty its contents.

The Main Organs Mouth- the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food and saliva. Esophagus- is an organ which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. Stomach- the muscular hollow, dilated which functions as an important organ. Small Intestine- a part of the gastrointestinal tract and where much of the digestion and absorption of food takes place. Large Intestine- absorb water from remaining indigestible food matter, and the to pass useless waste material from body.

Functio n Digestion starts with the mouth when taking the first bite of food and chewing the food into easily to digested.Which the saliva mixes with the food to begin the process of breaking it down into your body to use. Next is the esophagus, which receives food from your mouth, and delivers to the stomach. After that, the stomach holds the food while it is being mixed with enzymes that continue the process of breaking down into a usable form by the cells in the lining of the stomach.Followed by the small intestine that is breaking down the food using enzymes released by the pancreas and the bile of the liver. The Pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum and makes insulin, directly into the bloodstream. The liver main function is to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, and then releases it into the duodenum to help absorb and digest fats. The large intestine or colon is responsible for processing waste so that emptying the bowels is easy and convenient.Then, the rectum receives stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and holds the stool until evacuation happens. Finally, the anus the last part of the digestive tract and the upper anus is specialized to detect rectal contents. Also, lets you know whether the contents are liquid, gas, or solid. When an urge to go to the bathroom comes the external sphincter is what we rely on to hold the stool until reacting the toilet.

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