Digestive System Flashcards
Which enzyme can be found in your saliva?
Amylase. Protein in pancreas which breaks down food into sugar.
What is the first stage of the digestion process?
Saliva contains enzymes which break down food ready for the nutrients to be absorbed by the body.
What happens in the second stage of digestion?
Enters the oesophagus. Muscular contractions occur which deliver food to stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter which is at the bottom has to relax to let the food in.
What is the lower esophageal sphincter?
Located at bottom of oesophagus which contracts allowing food to go to stomach. Helps prevent food going back up which may cause acid reflux.
What happens during the stomach stage of the process?
Holds food whilst cells in lining of stomach secrete strong acid and enzymes which break down food contents small enough to progress to small intestine.
What happens after food passes through the stomach?
Enters the duodenum which connects stomach and small intestine. Begins absorption of nutrients. Bile enters here through bile ducts which comes from gallbladder
What happens when the food passes from the duodenum?
Goes to small intestine where it goes from semi-liquid to full liquid. Nutrients are absorbed which then go into the bloodstream.
Role of pancreas in digestive process
Secretes enzymes into duodenum which breaks down protein, fats & carbs. Attached to gallbladder and small intestine.
Role of liver in digestive process
Process nutrients absorbed from small intestine and makes chemicals body needs to function. Also breaks down toxic drugs
Role of gallbladder in digestive process
Stores and concentrates bile from the liver & releases it into the duodenum in the small intestine to help absorb and digest fats.
What is the purpose of bile?
- Help break down fat
- Carry waste from liver that cannot go through kidneys
What happens during the large intestine point?
Most of remaining liquid absorbed, along with electrolytes and certain vitamins. Also contains bacteria which break down certain carbs.
What happens during the rectum stage?
End of large intestine where stool is stored ready for a bowl movement.
What is the role of amino acids in the body?
A large proportion of our cells, muscles and tissue is made up of amino acids, meaning they carry out many important bodily functions, such as giving cells their structure. They also play a key role in the transport and the storage of nutrients.
What are the two purposes for digestion system?
- Get rid of waste
- Absorb nutrients
