The Digestive System Flashcards
What happens in the digestive system
Food taken in, eaten - it comprises large insoluble molecules
Broken down to form smaller soluble molecules that can be absorbed and used by cells
Takes place in digestive system
What is the digestive system
An organ system in which several organs work together to digest and absorb food
What are the main parts of the digestive system
Mouth Salivary glands Pharynx Oesophagus Liver Stomach Gall bladder Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Rectum Anus
Explain the function of the mouth
Bites food
Starts digestion
Explain the function of salivary glands
Makes and releases digestive juices containing enzymes to break down food
Explain the function of the pharynx and oesophogus
Receives food from the mouth
Food pushed down by oesophogus
Digests food
No enzymes OR chemicals produced
Explain the function of the stomach
Receives food from oesophogus
Uses enzymes to digest food breaking down large insoluble food molecules into small soluble ones
Explain the function of the liver
Produces bile to help digestion of lipids
Explain the function of the gall bladder
Involved with production, storage and transportation of bile
Explain the function of the pancreas
Produces insulin, enzymes and hormones
Explain the function of the small intestine
Carries food to the colon
Absorbs nutrients from food into the blood
Large surface area of villi help to absorb digested food molecules
Explain the function of the large intestine
Absorbs water from undigested food into blood leaving faeces which pass to the rectum
What is the function of the rectum
Receives stool from large intestine and holds until evacuation
What is the function of the anus
Final section of digestive tract
2 inches long
Contains 2 sets of muscles
Evacuates faeces
