the digestive system

Question 1

What is the main function of the digestive system?

Answer 1

To digest large food molecules into smaller ones, and for the nutrients to then be absorbed into the blood stream

Question 2

What is the role of the pancreas and the salivary gland in the digestive system?

Answer 2

The pancreas and the salivary gland are glands which produce digestive juices containing enzymes.

Question 3

What is the role of the stomach in the digestive system?

Answer 3

Produces hydrochloric acid - which kills any bacteria present and provides the optimum acidic pH for the protease enzyme to function.

Question 4

What is the role of the small intestine in the digestive system?

Answer 4

The small intestine is the site where soluble
food molecules are absorbed into the
bloodstream.

Question 5

What is the role of the liver in the digestive system?

Answer 5

Produces bile (stored in the gallbladder) which emulsifies lipids and allows the lipase enzyme to work more efficiently.

Question 6

What is the role of the large intestine in the digestive system?

Answer 6

Absorbs water from undigested food, producing faeces.

Question 7

What is the role of enzymes in the digestive system?

Answer 7

Enzymes act as biological catalysts which speed up the rate of biological reactions (the breakdown of food) without being used up.

Question 8

Where is bile made and stored in the body?

Answer 8

Bile is made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder

Question 9

What is the role of bile in the digestive system?

Answer 9

● Bile is an alkaline substance which neutralises
the hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach.
● Bile emulsifies lipids to form droplets - this
increases the surface area for the lipase enzyme to work on.