digestive system Flashcards
what is the purpose of the digestive system?
the digestive system breaks down food molecules so that they are small enough to be absorbed into the blood
give some examples of organs in the digestive system:
stomach, large intestine, small intestine, pancreas, liver
what is the role of the stomach in digestion?
glands that line your stomach make stomach acid and enzymes (pepsin) that break down food
what is the role of the small intestine in digestion?
the walls of the small intestine absorb water and the digested nutrients into your bloodstream
what is the role of the pancreas in digestion?
your pancreas makes enzymes (lipase, amylase and protease). the enzymes break down fat, sugars and starches
what is the role of the large intestine in digestion?
turns food waste into stool and passes it from the body
