digestive system

• the digestive system is the process of breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed in the blood stream.
• 2 types of digestion:

  mechanical: breakdown of food without mixed in chemicals.

  chemical: breakdown of food is mixed with chemicals such as your saliva.
• The mouth is the first part of the digestive system, it breaks down the food into smaller components using your teeth.
• The pharynx is a muscular wall that connects the nasal cavity to the esophagus.
• The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
• The stomach is a j shaped muscular bag that stores food and breaks it down into smaller components.
• the duodenum is the first part of the small intestine and is where food is mixed with digestive juices.
• the small intestine is a 5 meter long tube that lies in the abdominal cavity surrounded by the large intestine.
• The finish of chemical digestion takes place in the small intestine.
• the large intestine is a 1.5 meter long tube that stores undigested food and absorbs water.
• the rectum is an 8 inch chamber connecting the colon to the anus.
• the anus is the last part of the digestive system. it is 2 inches long and consist of pelvic floors
• the liver produces bile which helps break down fats, and also removes waste products from blood.
• the gallblader is a greenish yellow bag attached to the liver and stores bile.
• the liver is the largest gland of the body.
• the pancreas produces pancreatic juice that aids in digestion and insulin that regulates sugar in your body.
• the pancreas is also known as the islet of Langerhans
• bile is secreted by the liver and it is a greenish yellow liquid that aids in the digestion of fats.
• mastication is the chewing of food mixed with saliva.
• process of digestion:

  ingestion: putting of food in the mouth

  digestion: mechanical and chemical breakdown of food.

  absorption: receiving of vitamins.

  assimilation: absorption of vitamins.

  excretion: remove of waste and excess water from the body.