Digestion Flashcards
What is Digestion?
Digestion is the breaking down of food in the body
Where does the whole process take place?
The whole process takes place in the digestive system
What is another name for the esophagus?
The gullet
Where does digestion start and end?
Digestion starts in the mouth and end at the anus
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions
What is peristalsis?
Peristalsis is the movement of food along the digestive tract through a series of muscle contractions
What is Bolus?
The small positions of masticated food, formed into balls by the tongue for swallowing
What is Mastication?
Mastication is the physical breakdown of food in the mouth
What is the esophagus?
A long tube that transports food from mouth to stomach
What is the responsibility of:
•Gall bladder
•Sphincter
Gall bladder - Responsible for controlling the flow of food going outside the stomach
Sphincter Muscle - Responsible for controlling the food in your stomach in small positions
Why is mucus produced throughout the digestive system?
Mucus is produce in order to enable food to move through the digestive system
What is the function of the pancreas?
The pancreas produces a juice containing several enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in food
Define:
•Bile
Bile is a fluid that is made and released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder
How does bile help with digestion?
Bile helps with digestion as it breaks down fats into fatty acids
What are the 3 function of the large intestine?
1) Absorbing water and electrolytes
2) Producing and Absorbing Vitamins
3) Forming and propelling feces towards the rectum for elimination.
