The digestive system Flashcards
What happens during digestion?
Large molecules are broken down into small molecules of nutrients. These nutrients can then pass into the blood where they are used by the body.
What is the mouth’s function?
Food is chewed and mixed with saliva.
What is the oesophagus’s function?
Food passes down this tube.
What is the stomach’s function?
Food is mixed with digestive juices and acid.
What is the small intestine’s function?
Small molecules of nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream.
What is the large intestine’s function?
Water is absorbed back into the body.
What is the rectum’s function?
Faeces are stored here until they pass out of the body through the anus.
What is the villi’s function?
Villi stick out of the wall of the small intestine and give it a big surface area. It allows the small intestine to absorb the nutrients quickly before the undigested food passes out of the body. They also contain blood capillaries to carry away absorbed food molecules.
