B3.2 The Human Digestive System Flashcards
What does the digestive system do?
It exchanges substances with the environment. It breaks down / digests large insoluble molecules (food) so the body can absorb them.
Name the main parts of the digestive system.
Mouth Gullet Diaphragm Stomach Liver Gall Bladder Pancreas Duodenum Bile Duct Small Intestine Large Intestine Appendix Rectum Anus
What is the pancreas an example of?
A gland, which releases digestive juices containing enzymes, which break down the food.
Which organs are the food mainly digested in?
The stomach and small intestine.
Where are the soluble food molecules absorbed into the blood?
The small intestine.
Where is water absorbed from the undigested food?
The large intestine.
Where is the faeces stored, and where does it pass out of the body?
Stored in the rectum, pass out through the anus.
What is the function of the liver?
It produces bile, which helps to digest lipids.
Explain the difference between organs and organ systems.
Organs have specific roles which are carried out independently, while organ systems are a collection of organs working together to perform a task. For example, on its own, the small intestine only absorbs food molecules, while a whole digestive system will break it down. absorb the molecules and water, and then release the waste.
