Function of the digestive system Flashcards
What is the main function of the digestive system?
mechanical and chemical break down of food
What are the two main pieces of digestion?
the break down of food (large molecules of food break down into smaller)
absorption of nutrients (molecules are absorbed through the small intestine into the blood stream)
What does the digestive system consist of?
alimentary canal and accessory organs
What are the four characteristics of the alimentary canal?
mucosa (inner), submucosa, muscular, serosa (outer)
What is the mucosa?
protects tissues, carries absorption
What is the submucosa?
glands, blood vessels, nerves
What is the muscular layer?
smooth muscle, pushes food( peristalsis)
What is the serosa?
lubricates surfaces
What is the purpose for villi in the small intestine?
increases surface area for absorption of nutrients
What are the 3 main accessory organs?
liver, stomach, pancreas
What is paristalsis?
a series of wave-like muscle contractions that move through the digestive tract
What causes peristalsis?
the parasympathetic nervous system automatically moves food and fluids forward
