Digestive System

• What is the digestive system?

  A group of organs that break down food
• What happens to large molecules during digestion?

  They are broken down into small nutrient molecules
• What are examples of large molecules in food?

  Lipids and proteins
• How do nutrients enter the bloodstream?

  They pass through the intestine wall
• What are the main parts of the digestive system?

  • Mouth
  • Oesophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small intestine
  • Large intestine
  • Rectum
  • Anus
• What happens to food in the mouth?

  It is chewed and mixed with saliva
• What is the role of the oesophagus?

  Food passes down this tube
• What occurs in the stomach during digestion?

  Food is mixed with digestive juices and acids
• What happens in the small intestine?

  Digestion is completed and nutrients are absorbed
• What is the function of the large intestine?

  Only undigested food reaches this part
• What is faeces?

  Solid waste of undigested food
• How does fibre affect digestion?

  It adds bulk and helps prevent constipation
• How do muscles help in the digestive process?

  They push food along the gut
• What is the role of the small intestine's wall?

  It is thin and allows nutrient absorption
• What are villi?

  Tiny structures that increase surface area
• Why is the surface area of the small intestine important?

  It allows for more nutrient absorption
• What do blood capillaries in villi do?

  Carry away absorbed food molecules
• What happens to undigested food?

  It passes out of the body
• How does the structure of the small intestine facilitate its function?

  Its thin wall and villi increase absorption