digestive system

• digestive tract (gastrointestinal (GI) tract) consists of

  mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, anus
• digestive system (6) major processes

  ingestion, mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, propulsion and digestive movements, absorption, elimination
• Mouth?

  Breaks down food into smaller pieces
• Pharynx function


  Common pathway for food and air, swallows food and liquids through peristalsis into the oesophagus
• Oesophagus function

  Transports food and liquids from pharynx to stomach through peristalsis, acts as a barrier to prevent foreign substances from entering the stomach
• Stomach function

  Mixes and breaks down food with secretions and muscles, begins protein and carb digestion
• Small intestine function

  Absorbs nutrients, continues digestion, releases hormones
• Large intestine function

  Absorbs water and electrolytes, eliminates waste, maintains electrolyte balance
• disorders of the digestive system

  diarrhea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux)