Digestive System

What’s it’s function? Breaks down food into molecules the body can use. Molecules are absorbed into the blood & carried throughout the body. Wastes are then eliminated.

The Process Mouth --- Chews food with your teeth; saliva mixes with pieces to moisten them. Enzymes work in mouth to help break down your food.

2 Types of Digestion Mechanical –  Begins as you take your 1 st bite.  Teeth carry out the 1 st stage. Chemical ---  Begins in the mouth  Breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.  Happens because of enzymes

Esophagus --- muscular tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. Epiglottis --- flap of tissue that seals off your windpipe Peristalsis --- involuntary waves of muscle contractions

Stomach --- J- shaped pouch that most digestion occurs. Mixes food with digestive enzymes (pepsin & HCL) and breaks food into smaller molecules.

Small Intestine --- Most chemical digestion takes place. Absorption of nutrients takes place here. The liquid moves through the small intestine and mixes with enzymes

Enzymes & Secretions – Food doesn’t pass through these organs  Liver --- Produces bile which breaks up fat particles.  Gallbladder --- Bile flows into this and is stored here. Bile passes thru a tube from here to the small intestine.  Pancreas --- Produces enzymes to break down starches, proteins, and fats.

Large intestine --- Material that enters here contains water and undigested food like fiber. Water is absorbed and other undigested food is eliminated from the body. Rectum --- food is compressed into solid material and eliminated from the anus.