[01] Structure and Function of the Digestive Tract Flashcards
What are the major components of the digestive tract?
- Mouth
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum
What is the function of the mouth in digestion?
- Receives food and initiates digestion by mechanical breakdown (mastication)
- Secretes saliva which contains enzymes to begin chemical digestion
What is the role of the esophagus in digestion?
Transports food from the mouth to the stomach through a process known as peristalsis
What is the stomach’s role in digestion?
- Stores food temporarily
- Mixes food with gastric juices to begin protein digestion
- Regulates the rate of gastric emptying into the small intestine
What is the function of the small intestine in digestion?
- Major site for digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Mixes food with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver
What is the role of the large intestine in digestion?
- Absorbs water and electrolytes
- Converts digested food into feces
What is the rectum’s role in digestion?
Stores feces until they can be eliminated from the body
What are the accessory organs of the digestive system?
- Salivary glands
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
What is the function of the salivary glands in digestion?
Produce saliva which contains enzymes that initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates
What is the function of the liver in digestion?
Produces bile which helps in the digestion and absorption of fats
What is the role of the gallbladder in digestion?
Stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver
What is the role of the pancreas in digestion?
Produces digestive enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine
How does peristalsis aid in digestion?
It is a series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves food through the digestive tract
What is the primary role of the digestive system?
To break down food into nutrients which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair
