Digestive System

• What is the primary function of the digestive system?

  To break down food and absorb nutrients
• How does the digestive system function during vigorous physical activity?

  Its work slows down during vigorous activity
• What is the first step in the digestive process?

  Ingestion of food
• What happens to food during digestion?

  It is broken down into smaller pieces
• What is the process of absorption in digestion?

  Small pieces pass through the intestine wall
• What is the role of nutrients in the body?

  They fuel muscles to create energy
• What is excretion in the digestive process?

  Waste is removed from the body
• What is mechanical digestion?

  Breaking down food into smaller pieces
• What role does saliva play in digestion?

  It moistens food and starts carbohydrate digestion
• What is the function of the stomach?

  To store and digest food
• How does the stomach contribute to digestion?

  It mechanically and chemically breaks down food
• What is the role of bile in digestion?

  It breaks down fats
• What does pancreatic juice contain?

  Enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins
• Where does most absorption occur in the digestive system?

  In the small intestine
• What is the function of the large intestine?

  To absorb water and sodium
• What is excreted from the body through the anus?

  Waste (faeces)
• How does exercise affect blood flow to the digestive system?

  Blood flow to the gut decreases during exercise
• Why should you eat at least two hours before vigorous exercise?

  To allow time for digestion
• What type of food should a pre-exercise meal consist mainly of?

  Mainly carbohydrates
• Why are carbohydrates preferred before exercise?

  They are digested quicker than fats and proteins
• What happens to undigested food during exercise?

  It remains in the digestive system
• How does exercise affect the efficiency of digestion?

  It strengthens muscles involved in digestion
• What are the main components of the digestive system?

  • Mouth
  • Salivary gland
  • Stomach
  • Oesophagus
  • Liver
  • Gall bladder
  • Small intestine
  • Appendix
  • Rectum
  • Anus
  • Pancreas
  • Large intestine
• What are the short-term effects of exercise on the digestive system?

  • Blood flow to the gut decreases
  • Digestion slows down
  • Undigested food can cause discomfort
  • Energy from undigested food is unavailable
• What is the process of digestion from ingestion to excretion?

  1. Ingestion of food
  2. Mechanical digestion in the mouth
  3. Chemical digestion in the stomach
  4. Absorption in the small intestine
  5. Water absorption in the large intestine
  6. Excretion of waste through the anus