digestive system Flashcards
the four stages of digestion are:
ingestion
digestion
absorption
elimination
Mouth:
- Saliva helps to transform the complex molecules in carbohydrates into simpler molecules
(chemical transformation).
{saliva breaks down carbs}
-while you masticate (chew) and break down the food into smaller pieces with your teeth (physical transformation).
Esophagus:
It moves food from the back of your throat to your stomach through muscle contractions called peristalsis (physical transformation).
Stomach:
-stores the food, breaks down the larger molecules and empties the liquid mixture into the small intestines (physical transformation).
- Gastric juices that come from the glands along the
stomach’s walls help to break down proteins (chemical transformation).
{stomach breaks down proteins.}
Small Intestine:
- villi increase the surface area through which various
nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. - the intestinal glands secrete intestinal juices that transform proteins into amino acids and fats into smaller molecules like glycerol (chemical transformations).
- The liver (gland) secretes bile which is stored in the gall
bladder and emulsifies fats (physical transformation). - The pancreas secretes pancreatic juices that break down carbohydrates into smaller molecules of glucose (chemical transformation).
- The small intestine also churns and moves the food along through peristalsis (physical transformation).
Large Intestine:
This is where most water, vitamins and minerals are absorbed into the bloodstream. Removing water from a liquid mixture transforms it into solid waste that is later
expelled through the anus (physical transformation).