1. THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Section 3.4

2. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Digestion: the process that the body uses to break large food molecules into smaller molecules
Enzymes: chemicals that speed up the digestion process

3. HUMAN DIGESTION SYSTEM
The route: from mouth to anus (about hours)
Mouth
Chewing and saliva for starch (plant)
Esophagus (food now called “bolus”)
passes food to the stomach with a series of rhythmic wave-like muscular contractions  peristalsis
Stomach
Gastric juice for proteins (meat)

4. DIGESTIVE CANAL
Small intestine
About 6-7 meters long
Absorbs nutrients in the blood
Pancreas: neutralizes acid + enzymes for digestion (proteins/carbs)
Liver: bile from gall bladder breaks down fats

5. LOWER DIGESTIVE CANAL Large intestine About 1.5 meters long
Water is reabsorbed and fibre and other waste materials that were not digested are stored
Rectum (waste storage) and anus waste material is eliminated