DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

• Digestive System - A system that allows us to convert our food into usable, organic compounds, and nutrients that provide us energy
• Alimentary Canal

  • Mouth
  • Pharynx
  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small Intestine
  • Large Intestine
  • Anus
• Mastication/Mechanical Digestion - Physical process of breaking down food
• Chemical Digestion - Breaking down food through the use of digestive juices
• Pharynx - Is also called Throat
• Epiglottis - a flap in the Pharynx which serves as a switch for either food (esophagus) or air (larynx)
• Esophagus - A muscular saclike organ that holds the food as it passes from the mouth to the stomach
• Stomach - Strong, muscular, saclike organ that holds the food. Food is churned, mixed, and grinded.
• Stomach - Produces mucus as a barrier
• Food is called chyme when it becomes soft and a semi-liquid substance
• It takes 4-5 hours to digest food
• Small Intestine - A small tube with a diameter of 3.81cm and length of 60cm
• Pancreas - An organ of the digestive and endocrine system
• Exocrine Pancreas - produces enzymes that help to digest the food, particularly protein
• Endocrine Pancreas - makes the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar level.
• Liver - Produces bile, which helps to break down most fats or lipids. Also helps the bloodstream to absorb fats
• Gallbladder - Stores and recycles the bile, keeping it until the body needs it in the future 
• Bile - helps your digestive system break down fats
• Large Intestine - absorbs water and electrolytes from food and excretes waste
• The Digestive Process

  1. Ingestion 
  2. Digestion
  3. Absorption/Assimilation
  4. Elimination/Excretion