Digestive system

• What is meant by a tissue?

  A group of cells with similar structure
• What is an organ?

  A group of tissues working together
• What is an organ system?

  A group of organs working together
• What is the main function of the digestive system?

  To break down food and absorb nutrients
• What are the three main nutrients found in food?

  Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
• Why must large food molecules be digested?

  They are too large to be absorbed directly
• What role do enzymes play in digestion?

  They break down large molecules into smaller ones
• What begins the digestion of starch in the mouth?

  Enzymes in saliva
• What happens to food in the stomach?

  It is mixed with enzymes and acid
• What is released from the liver to aid digestion?

  Bile
• What is the function of bile in digestion?

  To speed up lipid digestion and neutralize acid
• What happens in the small intestine?

  Digestion continues and nutrients are absorbed
• How are small food molecules absorbed in the small intestine?

  By diffusion or active transport
• What is absorbed in the large intestine?

  Water
• What is the final product released from the body?

  Feces
• What does the body use the products of digestion for?

  To build new carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
• What is one use of glucose produced during digestion?

  Used in respiration
• What are the main functions of the organs in the digestive system?

  • Mouth: Chews food and begins starch digestion
  • Esophagus: Transports food to the stomach
  • Stomach: Digests proteins and churns food
  • Small intestine: Continues digestion and absorbs nutrients
  • Large intestine: Absorbs water and forms feces
• How do the organs of the digestive system work together?

  • Mouth breaks down food
  • Stomach digests proteins
  • Small intestine absorbs nutrients
  • Large intestine removes water and waste
• What is the process of digestion from mouth to large intestine?

  1. Food chewed in mouth
  2. Enzymes digest starch
  3. Food travels down esophagus
  4. Stomach digests proteins with acid
  5. Small intestine digests and absorbs nutrients
  6. Large intestine absorbs water and forms feces
• What are the roles of the liver and pancreas in digestion?

  • Liver: Produces bile for lipid digestion
  • Pancreas: Releases enzymes for starch, protein, and lipid digestion