Digestive System and Process of Digestion

• Epiglottis

  An elastic cartilage flap within the larynx. Its function is to alternate between closing the oesophagus and the trachea. It prevents food entering the respiratory system.
• Mouth

  Its function is to break down food into smaller parts via the mechanical digestion of the teeth, which grind the food into smaller parts. Saliva is also added to the food to assist digestion. The saliva contains an enzyme known as amylose, which breaks down starch.
• Oesophagus

  A muscular passage that transports food matter from the mouth to the stomach. The food is moved via systemic contractions.
• Stomach

  A muscular organ that secretes hydrochloric acid to kill any microbes that may have entered the body. It also digests food by chemical digestion due to the acid breaking down molecules.
• Gall Bladder

  The gall bladder is where bile is stored after being produced in the liver. Bile is used to kill any other remaining bacteria that were able to survive the acidic conditions of the stomach, due to the alkaline properties of bile.
• Pancreas

  Produces and secretes enzymes that are able to break down lipids. The enzymes flow down the pancreatic duct into the small intestine.
• Large Intestine

  The large intestine absorbs any excess water from the remaining digested matter.
• Rectum

  Where left over faecal matter is stored until it leaves through the anus.
• Small Intestine

  The small intestine is where the remaining nutrients are absorbed by the villi. The final stages of digestion by enzymes also take place here.