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 is the function of hydrochloric acid in the stomach?

  It helps enzymes digest proteins
• What happens to food in the stomach?

  It is churned into a fluid for digestion
• What does the pancreas release into the small intestine?

  Enzymes for digestion
• What is the role of bile in digestion?

  It speeds up lipid digestion and neutralizes acid
• How are small food molecules absorbed in the small intestine?

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

  Water
• What happens to feces in the digestive system?

  It is released from the body
• What are the products of digestion used for in the body?

  To build new carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
• What is glucose used for in the body?

  In respiration
• What are the main organs in the digestive system and their functions?


  • Mouth: Chews food and begins starch digestion
  • Esophagus: Transports food to the stomach
  • Stomach: Digests proteins and churns food
  • Small intestine: Digests proteins, starch, and lipids; absorbs nutrients
  • Large intestine: Absorbs water; releases feces
• What is the process of digestion from mouth to large intestine?

  1. Mouth: Chewing and starch digestion
  2. Esophagus: Food transport
  3. Stomach: Protein digestion and churning
  4. Small intestine: Enzyme action and nutrient absorption
  5. Large intestine: Water absorption and feces release
• What is the significance of enzymes in the digestive process?

  • Break down large food molecules
  • Facilitate absorption of nutrients
  • Enable efficient digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids