digestive system Flashcards
(12 cards)
describe the function of the mouth
teeth break down food into smaller pieces ( mechanical digestion ) an saliva has amylase breaks down the starches ( chemical digestion )
describe the function of the oesophagus
muscular tube moves food via peristalsis ( wave-like muscle contractions ) down from the mouth to stomach
describe the function of the stomach
churns food and mixes it with enzymes and acid, specifically hydrochloric acid which helps to kill harmful bacteria and activates enzymes
describe the function of the small intestine
site for nutrient absorption and divides it into: duodenum ( most digestion occurs ), jejunum and ileum ( nutrient absorption in the bloodstream occurs )
describe the function of the liver
produces bile to help digest fats and detoxifies harmful substances and stores glycogen.
describe the function of the gallbladder
stores and concentrates bile and releases it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion
describe the function of the large intestine
absorbs water and salts from remaining indigestible food matter
describe the function of the rectum and anus
stores and expels waste from the body
describe the function of the pancreas
produces digestive enzymes ( amylase, lipase, and proteases ) and bicarbonate to neutralise stomach acid in the small intestine
list the organs in chronological order in the digestive system
mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, large intestine, rectum and anus
describe the process of digestion
ingestion - food comes in the mouth
mechanical digestion - physical breakdown of food
chemical digestion - enzymes and digestive juices break food down into simpler molecules
absorption - nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream
elimination - removal of waste through the anus
describe three enzymes in digestion
amylase -
breaks down carbohydrates into glucose
protease -
breaks proteins into amino acids
lipase -
breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol
