6.8 - Digestion Flashcards
Physical and chemical digestion The structure of the human digestive system
What is the function of the human digestive system?
Breaks down food for absorption
What are the two main ways the digestive system breaks down food?
Physical and chemical digestion
What is physical digestion?
Breakdown of large food pieces into smaller ones
What is chemical digestion?
Enzymes catalyse hydrolysis reactions
What does the human digestive system consist of?
Alimentary canal and accessory glands
What are the key components of the digestive system?
Salivary glands
What do salivary glands secrete?
Saliva containing amylase
What is the function of the oesophagus?
Transports food to the stomach
What does the stomach do?
Digests food and produces acid
What does the liver produce?
Bile salts
What does the pancreas secrete?
Pancreatic juice containing enzymes
What is the function of the small intestine?
Digestion and absorption
What is the function of the large intestine?
Absorbs water and stores waste
What does the rectum do?
Stores faeces
What is the order food travels through the alimentary canal?
Mouth
