6 Questions
¿Cuál es la función principal del intestino delgado?
Descomponer los alimentos en nutrientes
¿Qué secreta enzimas y ácidos para descomponer los alimentos?
Stomach (estómago)
¿Qué ayuda a la fermentación y la producción de vitaminas en el intestino grueso?
La microbiota del colon
¿Cuál es el nombre del esfínter que separa el esófago del estómago?
Lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
¿Qué es la función de la saliva en la boca?
Descomponer carbohidratos en azúcares
¿Cuál es el nombre del proceso por el cual los alimentos son propelidos a través del esófago?
Peristalsis
Study Notes
Digestive System
Mouth
- Also known as the oral cavity
- First stage of digestion
- Food is broken down mechanically by chewing (mastication)
- Saliva, produced by salivary glands, contains enzymes (amylase and lipase) to break down carbohydrates and fats
- Swallowing (deglutition) occurs when food is propelled into the pharynx
Esophagus
- Muscular tube that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach
- Peristalsis: wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the esophagus
- Epithelial lining protects the esophagus from acidic stomach contents
- Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) separates the esophagus from the stomach
Stomach
- Hollow, muscular organ that secretes digestive enzymes and acids
- Gastric glands produce:
- Pepsin: breaks down proteins
- Gastric amylase: breaks down carbohydrates
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl): creates acidic environment
- Churning action mixes food with stomach secretions
- Gastric emptying: partially digested food (chyme) enters the small intestine
Small Intestine
- Long, thin tube where most nutrient absorption occurs
- Divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
- Walls lined with finger-like projections (villi) and microvilli to increase surface area
- Nutrients absorbed into bloodstream through capillaries
- Pancreatic juice and bile from the liver and gallbladder aid in digestion
Large Intestine
- Also known as the colon or bowel
- Absorbs water and electrolytes, and stores and eliminates waste
- Divided into four parts: ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon
- Colon microbiota (gut flora) helps with fermentation and vitamin production
- Rectum stores feces until defecation occurs
Learn about the different parts of the digestive system, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, and their roles in digestion and nutrient absorption.
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