digestive system Flashcards
absorption
The movement of substances through tiny holes into the bloodstream
chemical digestion
The breakdown of food by saliva, stomach acid and other digestive juices
digestion
The breakdown of food into simple nutrients the body can absorb
digestive system
The group of organs that break food down into simple nutrients the body can absorb
digestive tract
The connected organs that food passes through as it is broken down
enzyme
A substance made by the body to speed up chemical digestion
large intestine
A wide tube where water is absorbed and most good bacteria live
liver
A large organ that produces bile to help digest fats
oesophagus
The tube that connects the throat to the stomach
peristalsis
Involuntary muscle contractions that push food through tubes
small intestine
A long, narrow tube where most nutrients are absorbed by the body
physical digestion
The breakdown of food by mashing, grinding, churning or mixing
stomach
A muscular pouch that churns and squeezes food into liquid
Villus
A tiny finger-like structure on the lining of the small intestine
