Digestive System

• What is the main function of the digestive system?

  To break down food for absorption
• What are the three main groups of nutrients humans need?

  Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
• Why is digestion necessary for humans?

  To break down large molecules for absorption
• What is the role of saliva in digestion?

  It helps make food more liquid
• What enzyme is found in saliva?

  Salivary amylase
• What is the esophagus also known as?

  The gullet
• What are the three important functions of the stomach?

  Mixes food, produces pepsin, and hydrochloric acid
• What type of enzyme is pepsin?

  A protease enzyme
• What does hydrochloric acid do in the stomach?

  Kills bacteria and activates pepsin
• What happens to food after it leaves the stomach?

  It enters the small intestine
• What is the primary function of the small intestine?

  To absorb digested food into the bloodstream
• Which organ produces most of the digestive enzymes?

  The pancreas
• What is the role of bile in digestion?

  Neutralizes stomach acid and emulsifies fats
• Where is bile produced?

  In the liver
• What is the function of villi in the small intestine?

  To increase surface area for absorption
• How does the structure of villi aid in nutrient absorption?

  Single layer of cells and good blood supply
• What happens to undigested material in the large intestine?

  Water is absorbed, leaving feces
• What is the order of the digestive process from start to finish?

  1. Food enters the mouth and is chewed
  2. Saliva is added
  3. Food travels down the esophagus
  4. Food enters the stomach
  5. Food moves to the small intestine
  6. Pancreatic juices and bile mix with food
  7. Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream
  8. Undigested material moves to the large intestine
  9. Water is absorbed, leaving feces
• Where are feces stored before removal?

  In the rectum
• What is the purpose of the digestive enzymes produced in the small intestine?

  To aid in the digestion of food
• How does the digestive system ensure efficient nutrient absorption?

  By using enzymes and increasing surface area