5C

• Heterotroph


  An organism that cannot produce its own food and instead gains nutrition by eating plant or animal matter
• Carbohydrates


  A class of biomacromolecule made from monosaccharide monomers consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Also known as saccharides or sugars
• Lipid


  The class of biomacromolecule typically made from fatty acids and glycerol monomers consisting of C, H, and O. Characterised by their nonpolar nature
• Protein


  A class of biomacromolecule made of amino acid monomers folded into a 3D shape, consisting of C, H, O, N, and sometimes S
• Vitamins


  Organic compounds that the body requires in small amounts to perform a variety of functions
• Minerals


  Inorganic compounds that are essential for regular growth and nutrition
• Digestion


  The process of breaking down a substance into its basic components
• Digestive System


  The collection of specialised tissues and organs responsible for the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients
• Physical Digestion


  The breakdown of food into smaller pieces by processes such as chewing and peristalsis. Also known as mechanical digestion
• Chemical Digestion


  The breakdown of food into smaller molecules by digestive enzymes and stomach acid
• Digestive Tract


  The pathway of organs that food and liquids travel through after being swallowed, leading to digestion and elimination. Also known as the gastrointestinal tract or alimentary canal
• Oral Cavity


  Beginning of the digestive tract where food is prepared for the stomach. Also known as the mouth
• Salivary Glands


  Collection of cells that produce saliva and secrete it into the oral cavity
• Oesophagus


  Muscular tube lined with mucus that connects the mouth and stomach
• Peristalsis


  Coordinated muscular contractions and relaxations of the digestive tract wall that move food along the system
• Stomach


  A muscular organ that receives food from the oesophagus and temporarily stores it, where it is broken down by stomach acids, enzymes and peristaltic movements
• Chyme


  Mixture of partially digested food and digestive juices that passes from the stomach to the small intestine
• Liver


  A large organ found in the abdomen that is involved in many metabolic processes including the breakdown of toxins
• Gallbladder


  Bile-storing organ that releases bile into the small intestine
• Pancreas


  An organ of the digestive and endocrine system that releases both digestive juices and hormones, namely insulin and glucagon which regulate blood glucose levels
• Small Intestine


  Connects the stomach to the large intestine and is a major site of nutrient absorption during digestion
• Large Intestine


  The final area of absorption along the digestive tract and the site of faeces production
• Appendix


  A small sac of tissue that sits at the junction between the small and large intestines
• Rectum


  The final section of the large intestine that delivers faeces to the anus
• Anus


  The opening at the end of the digestive tract that releases faeces
• Lumen


  The inside space of a tubular structure
• Epithelial Tissue


  One of the basic tissue types in animals that lines the outer surface of organs and blood vessels
• Villus


  Finger-like projections from the surface of membranous structures to increase the surface area
• Microvillus


  Microscopic projections on the surface of cells that increase cellular surface area
• Herbivore


  An animal that almost exclusively feeds on plant material
• Omnivore


  An animal that eats a variety of food from plants to other animals
• Carnivore


  An animal that almost exclusively eats meat