Body Systems Flashcards
Absorption
The movement of substances through tiny holes into the bloodstream
Water and nutrients are absorbed through tiny pores in the lining of the intestines.
Chemical Digestion
The breakdown of food by saliva, stomach acid and other digestive juices
Chemical digestion forms new substances, including simple nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.
Digestive
The breakdown of food into simple nutrients the body can absorb
The digestive system breaks food down into proteins, fats and carbohydrates that are needed by the body.
Digestive System
The group of organs that break food down into simple nutrients the body can absorb
Organs in the digestive system include the stomach, liver, pancreas, and small and large intestines.
Digestive Tract
The connected organs that food passes through as it is broken down
The digestive tract starts at the mouth and ends at the anus.
Enzyme
A substance made by the body to speed up chemical digestion
Enzymes in saliva break down starch while enzymes in the small intestine break down sugars and fats.
Large Intestine
A wide tube where water is absorbed and most good bacteria live
Good bacteria living in the large intestine help it break down fats and complex carbohydrates.
Liver
A large organ that produces bile to help digest fats
The liver has many important functions in the body. It helps with digestion by producing bile.
oesophagus
The tube that connects the throat to the stomach
Food is squeezed through the oesophagus by peristalsis, even if you’re hanging upside down.
Peristalsis
Involuntary muscle contractions that push food through tubes
Peristalsis in the oesophagus and intestines moves food and liquid along the digestive tract.
Physical Digestion
The breakdown of food by mashing, grinding, churning or mixing
Physical digestion breaks food into smaller pieces without forming any new substances.
Small Intestine
A long, narrow tube where most nutrients are absorbed by the body
The small intestine has a large surface area to efficiently absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.
Stomach
A muscular pouch that churns and squeezes food into liquid
Churning and squeezing help with physical digestion. Gastric juices help with chemical digestion.
Villus
A tiny finger-like structure on the lining of the small intestine
Villi increase the surface area of the small intestine, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more quickly.
