Organs associated with the small intestines.

Pancreas

Secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum The enzymes break down protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also makes insulin, secreting it directly into the bloodstream. Insulin is the chief hormone for metabolizing sugar.

Liver

1.Secretes bile into the small intestine – Important for digesting fat 2.Process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine – is the body’s chemical "factory." Uses digested materials to make chemicals the body needs Detoxifies potentially harmful chemicals. It breaks down toxins and eliminates them through the bile

Gall Bladder

Gallbladder Stores and concentrates bile, and then releases it into the duodenum

Large intestine

From Small to Large Intestine Contents of the small intestine start out semi- solid, and end in a liquid form. Water, bile, enzymes, and mucous contribute to the change in consistency Once nutrients are absorbed, the left over residue moves on to the large intestine.

Bacteria Microbial Flora of the Large Intestine Over 700 species of bacteria are found – they have a variety of functions. Two processes are attributed to the bacteria found in the large intestine: 1.Digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates not digested in the small intestine (e.g. cellulose, residual starch) 2.Synthesis of vitamin K and certain B vitamins

Large Intestine Ileum empties into large intestine through the Ileocecal valve. Large intestine consists of: – Cecum – Ascending Colon – Transverse Colon – Descending Colon – Sigmoid Colon

Function of Large Intestine Primary function is to absorb water and electrolytes (salts) from the ileal contents and To store fecal material until it can be (egestion)

Cecum In Humans – main function is to absorb water Vertebrates that are herbivores (eat plants), have a larger cecum – Its an important organ of absorption and digestion – Contains bacteria that digest cellulose

Appendix A finger like projection, ~ 7 cm long, associated with the cecum. Currently thought to be a part of the immune system. – Has lymphatic tissue inside May be vestigial – – Leftover of an organ that ancestral life forms used.

Four parts: – Ascending – Transverse – Descending and – Sigmoid

Rectum A short (~20 cm) chamber that connects the colon to the anus. It receives feces from the colon, and sends a message to the brain. The brain decides to release or not release the waste.

Anus Last part of the digestive tract Is ~ 5 cm long and consists of two anal sphincters (internal and external) Controls egestion of waste