Parts of the digestive system Flashcards
What is the function of the mouth
Breaks down the food mechanically and mixes saliva with the food. The saliva has amylase
What is the function of the oesophagus?
Transports food from the mouth to the stomach using peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions)
What is the function of the stomach
Continues mechanical and chemical digestion, churning the food with stomach acids (hydrochloric acid and enzymes).
what is the function of Small Intestine?
This is the primary site for digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is split in to three parts duodenum,jejunum, and ileum. The last two are the main sites for absorption.
What is the duodenum?
The first part of the small intestine. Receives bile from the liver (breaks down fats) and digestive enzymes from the pancreas (breaks down proteins, carbs, and fats)
What is the function of the liver?
Produces bile
What is the function of the Gallbladder?
Stores bile produced by the liver.
What is Bile?
It helps emulsify (break down) fats in the small intestine aiding the work of the lipase
What does protease (pepsin) do?
The pepsin breaks down protein into amino acids and smaller peptides
What does amylase do?
it breaks down carbohydrates, it is produced by salivary glands and the pancreas
What function does the pancreas have?
Produces digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, and lipase) that help digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also Releases bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid as it enters the small intestine.
What does lipase do?
It breaks down fats (lipids) into fatty acids and glycerol. It assists the bile
What does the large intestine do?
Absorbs water, electrolytes, and some vitamins from indigestible food matter.
What does the rectum do?
Stores the feces
What does the anus do
The opening through which feces exit the body during defecation/excretion.
