Organs Flashcards
What is the digestive system?
Long muscular tube that begins at the mouth and ends with the anus
What is the function of the digestive system?
To chemically break down biological molecules into their component parts
What are lipids broken down into?
Fatty acids
What are proteins broken down into?
Amino acids
What are carbohydrates broken down into?
Simple sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides)
What is the function of the oral cavity, teeth and tongue in the digestive system?
Mechanical processing
Moistening
Mixing with salivary secretions
What is the function of the salivary glands?
Secrete lubricating fluid containing enzymes that beaks down carbohydrates (amylase)
What is the function of the pharynx?
It’s the muscular push of food into the esophagus
What does the Esophagus do?
Transports materials into the stomach
What does the function of the stomach in the digestive system?
It chemically breaks down materials using acid and enzymes
It has mechanical processing (churning) via muscular contractions
What does the liver do?
Secretes bile (used for lipid digestion)
Stores nutrients
What is the function of the large and small intestine?
Enzymatic digestion and absorption of water, organic substrates, vitamins and ions
What does the gallbladder do?
Stores bile
What does the pancreas do?
Exocrine cells - secrete buffers and digestive enzymes
Endocrine cells - secrete hormones
