Digestive System Overview and Functions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of mechanical digestion in the digestive system?

  • To increase surface area and facilitate swallowing (correct)
  • To break food down chemically for absorption
  • To absorb nutrients into the bloodstream
  • To eliminate waste products from the body

Which enzyme-related process is associated with chemical digestion?

  • Breaking food into smaller pieces
  • Eliminating undigested food from the body
  • Splitting chemical bonds in food molecules (correct)
  • Mixing food with liquids in the mouth

Which function is NOT part of the role of the stomach in digestion?

  • Nutrient absorption (correct)
  • Chemical digestion
  • Mechanical digestion
  • Secreting digestive juices

What is the function of salivary glands in the digestive system?

<p>To assist in chemical digestion and lubricate food (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does complete chemical digestion occur within the human digestive system?

<p>Small Intestine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average length of the human digestive system?

<p>8 meters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tooth is primarily responsible for tearing food?

<p>Canine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the large intestine?

<p>Digest food chemically (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of saliva in the digestive process?

<p>It facilitates the formation of a food mass called a bolus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the esophagus is correct?

<p>Muscle contractions in the esophagus are called peristalsis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is chyme?

<p>Partially digested food that leaves the stomach. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What protects the stomach lining from its acidic environment?

<p>A layer of mucus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main site of nutrient absorption in the digestive system?

<p>Small intestine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the digestive system holds fecal matter before elimination?

<p>Rectum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is produced by the pancreas to aid digestion?

<p>Lipase. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mechanical Digestion

Physically breaking down food into smaller pieces to increase surface area and mix with liquids.

Chemical Digestion

Using chemicals (enzymes) to break down food molecules (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) into smaller parts.

Salivary Glands Function

Secretes saliva to assist in chemical digestion and moisten food for swallowing.

Esophagus Function

Moves food from mouth to stomach using peristalsis (muscular contractions).

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Small Intestine Function

Completes the digestion process and absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream.

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Large Intestine Function

Reabsorbs water and minerals and forms feces.

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Physical Digestion in mouth

The mechanical breaking down of food by teeth.

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Chemical Digestion in mouth

Saliva mixes with food, beginning the process of chemical breakdown.

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Saliva Function

Saliva moistens and lubricates food for easier swallowing, and contains amylase to break down starch.

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Stomach Function

The stomach stores food, breaks it down mechanically (churning), and begins chemical digestion with acid.

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Pancreas Function

Pancreas aids digestion by producing enzymes that work in the duodenum, along with hormones that regulate blood sugar.

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Liver Function

The liver produces bile, an emulsifier for fats.

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Chyme

Partially digested food from the stomach.

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Study Notes

Digestive System Overview

  • Digestion breaks down food into molecules, a complex process involving physical and chemical actions.
  • Mechanical Digestion: Physically breaks food into smaller pieces, increasing surface area for chemical reactions, and mixing it with liquids; no chemicals or energy involved.
  • Chemical Digestion: Digestive enzymes break covalent bonds in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to release smaller molecules; components small enough for absorption into bloodstream and cells.

Digestive System Components and Functions

  • Mouth (Ingestion): Mechanical and chemical digestion; teeth physically break down food. Saliva wets, lubricates, and forms a bolus; contains amylase for starch breakdown.

  • Salivary Glands: Secrete saliva, aiding chemical digestion and lubricating food.

  • Esophagus: Transports food to the stomach via peristalsis; no digestion occurs here; secretes mucin.

  • Stomach: Temporary storage and both mechanical and chemical digestion; muscular contractions (churning) break down food; HCL mixes with food; mucus protects stomach lining.

  • Small Intestine: Primary site of chemical digestion and nutrient absorption; chyme stimulates enzyme release from pancreas and liver; pancreas produces enzymes and hormones regulating blood sugar; liver produces bile for fat digestion.

  • Large Intestine: Reabsorbs water and minerals; absorbs vitamins B and K produced by bacteria; stores fecal matter in rectum and eliminates waste via anus.

Key Digestive System Facts

  • Human Digestive System: Approximately 8 meters long; digestion and absorption take 24-33 hours.
  • Animal Digestion Variation: Depends on diet (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore), feeding methods, and organ types.
  • Teeth Types: Incisors (cutting), Canines (tearing), Premolars (grinding), Molars (crushing), Wisdom teeth (crushing); a human has multiple types and numbers of each.

Accessory Organs: Pancreas and Liver

  • Pancreas: Produces enzymes for chemical digestion and hormones (insulin and glucagon) for blood sugar regulation.
  • Liver: Produces bile, an emulsifying agent crucial for fat digestion and absorption.

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