organs

• the digestive system has three main divisions, mouth region or oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and accessory organs.
• lips - have sensory receptors that can detect the texture and temperature of food.
• palate - the mouth's upper boundary where food is pushed against when chewing.
• teeth - functions to physically break the food down.
• canines - for tearing
• premolars - for tearing AND crushing
• molars - for grinding AND crushing
• pharynx - connects the mouth to the esophagus
• nasopharynx - passage of air only
• oropharynx - passage of food and air
• laryngopharynx - passage of food only
• epiglottis - a cartilaginous tissue that prevents the entry of food and water into the respiratory track
• esophagus - a long muscular tube where food travels from the mouth to the stomach
• sphincters - prevent the backflow of food
• stomach - hollow and curved organ that functions for storage and breakdown of food, it produces acid, mucus, and enzymes that help in digestion
• rugae - inner wall folds that allow the stomach to stretch to store large meals.
• the stomach has three sections: cardia, fundus, pylorus
• the stomach has two sphincters that prevent backflow of food: cardiac sphincter and pyloric sphincter
• small intestine - a long tube where the final digestion takes place
• duodenum- chyme mixes with enzymes
• jejunum - site of nutrient absorption
• ileum - site of digestion and further absorption
• large intestine - the final organ of the digestive system, it is the site for vitamin and water absorption, converts chyme into feces
• salivary glands - secrete saliva into the mouth which clean the teeth, lubricate the food, and allow chemical digestion
• salivary gland consists of: parotid gland, submandibular gland, and sublingual gland
• liver - the second largest organ, produces: bile
• bile - aids in lipid digestion
• gallbladder - stores and holds the bile until it is needed in the duodenum
• pancreas - a yellowish organ that secretes pancreatic juice
• pancreas is essential in breaking down: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in food
• mouth / oral cavity - site for both physical and chemical breakdown of food
• gastrointestinal tract - mostly for the chemical breakdown of food, also needed for absorption of nutrients and water
• accessory organs - produce different compounds and enzymes that aid in the chemical breakdown of food