1. The Digestive System… -An organ system made up of the digestive tract and accessory organs. - Is responsible for taking in, and digesting food. - Is also responsible for eliminating the remaining waste.

2. Digestive Tract Includes: - the mouth - the esophagus - stomach - small intestine - large intestine - anus

3. Mouth Digestions begins in the mouth. Saliva contains enzymes that break down starches into simpler molecules.

4. Esophagus After being swallowed, food enters the esophagus, a long tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. Involuntary smooth muscles contract in a wave- like motion to move food through the system. Peristalsis

5. What is choking? Choking happens when the opening to the trachea is not properly covered (by the epiglottis flap). Food enters the trachea which is part of the respiratory system. This blocks air from entering the lungs.

6. Stomach A large muscular, saclike organ that churns food and bathes it in strong acid. Cells in the stomach lining release digestive chemicals and acids to help break down food. Muscles in the stomach wall contract to mix food with the chemicals and acids.

7. Small Intestine Peristalsis - the wavelike contraction of involuntary smooth muscle that moves food along in the esophagus and intestines 3 Parts: Duodenum, Jejunum & Ileum * Approximately 6 Meters long in Total!! Function: absorb nutrients from what you eat and drink. The lining is made of epithelial tissue that allows for diffusion of nutrients to the bloodstream.

8. Large Intestine Much shorter than the small intestine (roughly 1.5 meters long). Function: absorb water from undigested food. Solid matter is left behind and forms feces which is eliminated from the anus.

9. The Accessory Organs -Liver -Pancreas -Gall Bladder

10. Liver Makes and releases digestive chemicals to help digest food. Stores glycogen (a stored form of glucose which is used as energy in the body). Decomposes old red blood cells. Detoxifies blood and other substances in the body.

11. Pancreas Makes digestive chemicals and enzymes that help breakdown food and prepare it for entering the small intestine. The pancreas also makes and secretes hormones (insulin). This makes it a “dual-purpose organ”

12. Gall Bladder Stores chemicals and bile from the liver and releases them into the digestive tract when there is food to be digested. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b20VR R9C37Q&feature=related

13. Food Additives Sodium Nitrate - Artificial Food Colouring - High Fructose Corn Syrup - Partially Hydrogenated Oil (Trans Fats) - MSG These substances are added to food during processing to improve colour, flavour, texture or shelf life. Many of these additives are harmful to our bodies.

14. Sensitivities and Allergies Possible Sensitivities: -lactose (milk sugar) -fructose (fruit sugar) -gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) If a person has a sensitivity, they may experience nausea, headaches, constipation, diarrhea,and a general feeling of unwell.

15. Allergies, on the other hand, are quite different and can be dangerous. Common Food Allergens: -peanuts, shellfish, citrus fruit Food allergies cause the body’s cells to release harmful chemicals. This can cause the same symptoms as sensitivities as well as hives, rashes or swelling of parts of the body. If the tongue and throat swell, the person may have trouble breathing. People with allergies often carry Epipens - needles with hormones to stop swelling

16. Crohns & Colitis A type of inflammatory bowel disease of that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, causing a wide variety of symptoms. Symptoms: abdominal pains, diarrhea, vomiting, or weight loss. May also cause complications outside the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, tiredness, and lack of concentration. This results in a chronic inflammatory disorder, in which the body's immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Certain foods may aggravate these diseases more than others, but often there is no pattern and all foods have an similar effect. There is no cure but some medications have been found to help.

17. Diabetes Type 1: Usually diagnosed as a child. The liver fails to produce enough insulin to manage blood-sugar levels. Type 2: Can be developed later in life, often by unhealthy habits (poor diet, lack of physical activity). A person is no longer able to manage their blood sugar and experiences symptoms of Diabetes. Symptoms: excessive thirst and urination, light headedness, irritability, fatigue, poor healing, etc.