Digestive System Flashcards
What are the functions of the digestive system?
- To break down food into smaller pieces for absorption into bloodstream
- For blood to transport nutrients to cells to provide energy.
What is ingestion?
When food is taken into the mouth.
What is Digestion?
When large insoluble food particles are broken down into smaller soluble particles by dissolving food through stomach juices.
What is Absorption?
When soluble nutrients are passed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
What is Egestion?
When insoluble and undigested food is excreted by the body through the anus.
List the 7 Components of the Digestive System.
Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, Anus.
What does the mouth do?
- Teeth to chew food
- Tongue to move food
- Saliva to break down food
What is the Esophagus?
A long tube that connects the mouth to stomach
What does it (esophagus) do?
Pushes down food with wave-like movements.
What is the stomach and what does it contain?
A muscular sac-like organ that contain enzymes and lesser hydrochloric acid.
What does it (stomach) do?
It breaks down food particles further with digestive juices.
What is the small intestine?
A segment of the gastrointestinal tract.
What does the small intestine do?
Finally completes digestion and absorbs nutrients through it’s intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
What does the large intestine do?
It re-absorbs water from waste and contains undigested food.
What is the Rectum and where does it end?
The final part of the large intestine and ends at the anus.
What happens at the anus?
Faeces leave the body through egestion.
