Digestive System Overview

Study Notes

Digestion

Digestion is the process of breaking down food into small particles and molecules that the body can absorb and use.
Mechanical digestion physically breaks down food into smaller pieces.
Chemical digestion involves chemical reactions that break down food into small 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 collects and eliminates waste from the body and regulates fluid levels.

Digestive System

The digestive system breaks down food so the body can absorb nutrients.
The mouth begins the digestive process, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva.
The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.
The stomach stores food and mixes it with gastric juice, which contains acids and enzymes that aid in chemical digestion.
The liver produces bile, which helps digest fats, and processes blood containing nutrients from the small intestine.
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the biliary tract to aid in fat digestion.
The pancreas produces enzymes that break down fats, proteins, starches, and acids, as well as hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar.
The small intestine absorbs most nutrients from digested food.
The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, eliminates waste, and forms solid stool.
The rectum stores stool and controls its release through the anus.

The Food You Eat

Food in a biological sense is anything that provides energy for the body.
This energy is obtained through nutrients.
Anything that provides nutrients but does not provide energy is not considered food.

Saliva & Digestion

Saliva starts the chemical digestion process in the mouth, breaking down food into smaller particles.
Saliva also makes it easier to swallow food.

Villus & Absorption

Villi are finger-like projections in the small intestine that contain blood vessels.
These blood vessels collect nutrients from the small intestine and transport them to the bloodstream.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of the digestive system, including the processes of mechanical and chemical digestion. It explores key components such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and the role of villi in nutrient absorption. Test your knowledge on how food is broken down and how the body manages waste.