Functions of the Gastrointestinal System

Question 1

Oral Cavity

Answer 1

• ‘Ingestion and Digestion’
• Orifice through which food enters the body
• Taste - Breaks down food into smaller pieces, swallowing

Question 2

Oesophagus

Answer 2

• Passageway of food/bolus and fluids to the stomach
• Bolus is moved via peristalsis (Involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles that create wave-like movements that push the bolus forward).

Question 3

Stomach

Answer 3

• Temporary storage of food
• Mechanical digestion - Mix and breakdown of food bolus by contraction and relaxation of the muscle layers
• Chemical digestion - stomach secretes acid and enzymes that digest food
• Release the chyme (pulpy acidic fluid), to the intestines at a rate whereby the intestines can process it

Question 4

Small Intestine

Answer 4

• Receives food (chyme) from the stomach. Complete digestion.
• Chemical digestion of chyme - bile, (break down fats), pancreatic juice (enzymes to break down protein, carbohydrates, lipids and neutralise acidity of chyme)
• Absorption of nutrients, water, bile salts

Question 5

Large Intestine

Answer 5

• Absorb remaining water / electrolytes
• Storage and transport of faeces
• Propels faeces towards the rectum for excretion
• Contains gut microbes that chemically digest complex molecules

Question 6

Appendix

Answer 6

• Thought to support good bacteria in the gut.
• Good bacteria in the appendix can repopulate the digestive system following diarrhoea

Question 7

Rectum

Answer 7

• Storage of faeces - passageway for faces out of anus
• Stored until they can be eliminated through defecation.

Question 8

Anus

Answer 8

• Control the expulsion / excretion of faeces