Digestive System

• Where does digestion start in the human body?

  Mouth
• What is the role of teeth in digestion?

  They chew food into smaller pieces
• What does saliva contain that aids digestion?

  Enzymes that begin breaking down carbohydrates
• What is the esophagus?

  A muscular tube connecting mouth to stomach
• How does the esophagus move food down to the stomach?

  Using muscle contractions called peristalsis
• What type of organ is the stomach?

  A sac-like organ
• What happens to food in the stomach?

  It is mixed with stomach acids and enzymes
• What does the stomach break down?

  Proteins
• What is chyme?

  A thick liquid formed in the stomach
• What is the small intestine?

  A long, coiled tube for digestion and absorption
• Where does most digestion and nutrient absorption occur?

  In the small intestine
• What aids in breaking down food in the small intestine?

  Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver
• How are nutrients absorbed in the small intestine?

  Through the walls of the small intestine
• What does the pancreas produce?

  Enzymes for digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
• What is the function of insulin produced by the pancreas?

  To regulate blood sugar levels
• What does the liver produce?

  Bile
• What is the role of bile in digestion?

  It helps digest fats
• What does the liver do with nutrients absorbed from the small intestine?

  Processes them
• What harmful substances does the liver detoxify?

  Harmful substances in the blood
• What is the function of the gallbladder?

  Stores bile produced by the liver
• When does the gallbladder release bile?

  Into the small intestine to aid fat digestion
• What does the large intestine absorb?

  Water and electrolytes from indigestible food
• What does the large intestine form?

  Solid waste (stool) to be excreted
• What is the function of the rectum?

  Stores stool until ready to be expelled
• What is the anus?

  The opening through which stool leaves the body
• What are the main organs involved in the digestive system and their functions?

  • Mouth: Digestion starts, chews food, saliva breaks down carbs
  • Esophagus: Connects mouth to stomach, moves food via peristalsis
  • Stomach: Mixes food with acids, breaks down proteins, forms chyme
  • Small Intestine: Digestion and absorption, aided by pancreas and liver
  • Pancreas: Produces digestive enzymes and insulin
  • Liver: Produces bile, processes nutrients, detoxifies blood
  • Gallbladder: Stores bile, releases it for fat digestion
  • Large Intestine: Absorbs water/electrolytes, forms stool
  • Rectum: Stores stool until expulsion
  • Anus: Opening for stool exit