the digestion system Flashcards
digestion
the process by which the body breaks down food into small nutrient molecules
absorption
the process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of the digestive system into the blood
saliva
the enzyme in the mouth that changes starch to sugar
enzyme
a type of chemical (a protein) that breaks down food into smaller molecules
epiglottis
a flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe & prevents food from entering
esophagus
a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach
mucus
a thick, slippery substance produced by the body
peristalsis
involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system
stomach
a j-shaped, muscular pouch located in the abdomen
small intestine
the part of the digestive system in which most chemical digestion takes place
liver
the largest organ in the body; & produces bile
bile
a substance produced by the liver that breaks up fat particles
gall bladder
the organ that stores bile after it is produced by the liver
pancreas
- a triangular organ that lies between the stomach & first part of the small intestine
- it produces enzymes that break down starches, proteins, & fats
villi
tiny finger-shaped structures that cover the inner surface of the small intestine & provide a large surface area through which digested food is absorbed
large intestine
the last section of the digestive system, where water is absorbed from food & the remaining material is eliminated from the body
rectum
the end of the large intestine where waste material is compressed into a solid form before being eliminated
anus
a muscular opening at the end of the rectum through which waste material is eliminated from the body
chemical digestion
enzymes break down food into smaller molecules
mechanical digestion
physical breakdown of large pieces of food into smaller pieces
ex: biting into a strawberry
chyme
thick liquid form of food
gastric juice
juice produced in the stomach that contains mucus, pepsin, & hydrochloric acid
pepsin
enzyme that digests proteins
bile
a substance that physically breaks up large fat droplets into smaller fat droplets
colon
another name for the large intestine
nutrients
substances in food that your body needs to grow, to repair itself, & to supply you with energy
bolus
slippery mass (ball of food) formed in the mouth then gets swallowed
pharynx
throat; passageway for food to the esophagus & air to the larynx
lipid
energy-rich organic compounds, such as fats & oils
carbohydrates
nutrient that supplies energy & can be broken down into sugar (glucose) & starches
feces
solid wastes; stool
starch
a complex carbohydrate found in foods from plants such as potatoes, rice, wheat, & corn
protein
a nutrient made up of amino acids
- ex: animal sources, such as meat & eggs
- also plant sources (beans, grains, & nuts)
lipase
an enzyme that breaks down fat (lipids)