Digestive system Flashcards
What is **absorption **
The movement of substances through tiny holes into the bloodstream
Water and nutrients are absorbed through tiny pores in the lining of the intestines.
What is chemical digestion
The** breakdown** of food by saliva, stomach acid and other digestive juices
Chemical digestion forms new substances, including simple nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.
What is digestion
The** breakdown of food** into simple nutrients the body can absorb
The digestive system breaks food down into proteins, fats and carbohydrates that are needed by the body.
What is the digestive system
The group of organs that break food down into simple nutrients the body can absorb
Organs in the digestive system** include** the stomach, liver, pancreas, and small and large intestines.
What is the digestive tract?
The** connected organs** that food passes through as it is broken down
The digestive tract starts at the mouth and ends at the anus.
What is an enzyme
A substance made by the body** to speed up chemical digestion**
Enzymes in saliva** break down** starch while enzymes in the small intestine break down sugars and fats.
What is the **large intestine **
A** wide tube where water is absorbed and most good bacteria live**
Good bacteria living in the large intestine help it break down fats and complex carbohydrates.
What is the liver
A large organ that produces bile to help digest fats
The liver has many important functions in the body. It helps with digestion by producing bile.
What is the oesophagus
The tube that connects the throat to the stomach
Food is squeezed through the oesophagus by peristalsis, even if you’re hanging upside down.
What is Peristalsis
Involuntary muscle contractions that push food through tubes
Peristalsis in the oesophagus and intestines moves food and liquid along the digestive tract.
What is **physical digestion **
The breakdown of food by mashing, grinding, churning or mixing
Physical digestion breaks food into smaller pieces without forming any new substances.
What is the small intestine
A long, narrow tube where most nutrients are absorbed by the body
The small intestine has a large surface area to efficiently absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.
What is the **stomach **
A** muscular pouch that churns and squeezes food into liquid**
Churning and squeezing help with physical digestion. Gastric juices help with chemical digestion.
What are villi
A tiny finger-like structure on the lining of the small intestine
Villi **increase the surface area **of the small intestine, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more quickly.
