Questions and Answers
What is the mouth?
The mouth is where the digestive tract begins and enzymes released into the mouth start the process of digestion.
What is the role of the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is a small piece of tissue that covers the opening of the larynx.
What does the gallbladder do?
The gallbladder is a small pouch that stores bile and releases it into the duodenum to help digest fats.
Why is the small intestine called 'small'?
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What does the term 'duodenum' mean?
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How long is the jejunum?
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What is the ileum?
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What happens if the appendix becomes inflamed?
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What is the pharynx?
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What is the function of the esophagus?
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What is the liver's primary role?
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What protects the stomach lining?
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What does the pancreas do?
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What are the three parts of the large intestine?
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What is the cecum?
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What are the parts of the colon?
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What is the rectum?
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What is the anus?
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Study Notes
Mouth
- Initiates the digestive process; enzymes released help break down food.
Epiglottis
- Tissue that covers the larynx, preventing food from entering the airway during swallowing.
Gallbladder
- Small pouch that stores bile; releases bile into the duodenum to aid fat digestion.
Small Intestine
- Longest part of the digestive system, despite being called "small" due to its width; continuous tube with the large intestine.
Duodenum
- First section of the small intestine; name means "12 each," based on its believed length correlating to 12 fingers.
Jejunum
- Middle section of the small intestine, approximately 5 to 8 feet long.
Ileum
- Final section of the small intestine; the longest part, measuring 16 to 20 feet.
Appendix
- Attached to the cecum; inflammation of the appendix is known as appendicitis.
Pharynx
- A shared passageway for food and air, connecting the mouth to the esophagus and the trachea.
Esophagus
- Muscular tube transporting food from the pharynx to the stomach.
Liver
- Largest internal organ responsible for storing energy, detoxifying substances, and producing bile.
Stomach
- Contains a tough, acidic lining to facilitate food breakdown in the digestive process.
Pancreas
- Produces insulin and other hormones; generates enzymes crucial for food digestion in the intestines.
Large Intestine
- Comprised of three parts: cecum, colon, and rectum; key in water absorption and waste formation.
Cecum
- The beginning of the large intestine; a pouch-like structure receiving material from the small intestine.
Colon
- Largest segment of the large intestine, divided into ascending, transverse, and descending sections.
Rectum
- The terminal section of the large intestine, measuring 6 to 8 inches; stores stool until excretion.
Anus
- The exit point of the digestive tract; expels waste (stool) from the body.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the human digestive system with this quiz. From the mouth to the small intestine, explore the functions and parts involved in digestion. Learn about the key components that play a vital role in breaking down and absorbing food.