Digestion and the Digestive Process

Digestion

• The digestive system breaks down food into small molecules that the body can absorb and use.
• Mechanical digestion physically breaks down food into smaller pieces.
• Chemical digestion uses chemical reactions to break down food into smaller molecules.
• Peristalsis is the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
• Villi are finger-like projections that cover the small intestine and increase its surface area for nutrient absorption.
• The excretory system removes waste products from the body and regulates fluid levels.

The Digestive Process

• The mouth starts the digestive process with chewing and saliva, which begins chemical breakdown.
• The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
• The stomach stores food and mixes it with gastric juice, which contains enzymes and acid, furthering chemical digestion.
• The small intestine absorbs most nutrients from digested food.
• Villi in the small intestine increase its surface area for efficient nutrient absorption.
• The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining food and produces waste.
• The rectum stores waste until elimination through the anus.

Organs of the Digestive System

• Mouth and Esophagus: The mouth initiates digestion, and the esophagus transports food to the stomach.
• Stomach: The stomach stores and mixes food with gastric juice, aiding in digestion.
• Liver: The liver produces bile, which helps digest fats. It also processes blood containing nutrients from the small intestine.
• Gallbladder: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile before releasing it into the biliary tract for digestion.
• Pancreas: The pancreas produces enzymes that break down fats, proteins, starches, and acids. It also produces hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.
• Small Intestine: The small intestine absorbs the majority of nutrients broken down in the stomach.
• Large Intestine: The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, processes remaining nutrients, and produces solid waste.
• Rectum: The rectum stores waste and expels it through the anus.

Explore the intricate processes of digestion, including mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. This quiz covers the roles of various organs involved in digestion, from the mouth to the small intestine. Test your understanding of how nutrients are absorbed and waste is eliminated from the body.