Chapter 3 Flashcards
What are the structures and functions of the digestive system?
To break down food into small pieces.
Digestion – mechanical and chemical
Absorption – the process by which nutrient molecules pass through the walls of the system.
Describe the process of mechanical and chemical digestion in the mouth.
In the mouth teeth break the food down into small pieces. The saliva is the chemical breaking down food into small pieces.
Describe the process of mechanical and chemical digestion in the stomach.
Mechanical is the stomach tossing and turning. Chemical is the stomach acid breaking down food.
Explain how the esophagus helps to move food from the mouth to the stomach.
It squeezes it down and slowly lets food into the stomach.
Where does absorption of nutrients take place?
In the small intestine.
Where does the absorption of water take place?
In the large intestine.
Where are the villi located and what is their function?
They are in the small intestine and take the nutrients to the blood stream.
Which part of the large intestine is responsible for storing feces until it is ready for elimination?
The rectum.
