Digestive System Overview and Functions

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Questions and Answers

The digestive system is a collection of organs that breaks down food into energy.

True

What is the process of putting food into your mouth called?

Ingestion

Which of the following is NOT a function of the digestive system?

Absorption

Ingestion

Elimination

Digestion

Reproduction (correct)

What are the two types of digestion?

Mechanical and Chemical Signup and view all the answers

What is the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces called?

Mechanical digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules called?

Chemical digestion Signup and view all the answers

Peristalsis is the rhythmic, involuntary contraction of the muscles of the esophagus.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the thick liquid mixture called that leaves the stomach after digestion?

Chyme Signup and view all the answers

The small intestine is where most of the chemical digestion process takes place.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an accessory organ of the digestive system?

Heart Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

Absorption of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract?

Anus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common ailment of the digestive system?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria or parasites found in food and water.

True Signup and view all the answers

Constipation is characterized by compact, dry, and hard stool.

True Signup and view all the answers

GERD occurs when acid from the stomach flows back up to the esophagus.

True Signup and view all the answers

Gallstones are hardened cholesterol and pigments in the bile.

True Signup and view all the answers

Peptic ulcer is a painful wound in the stomach and small intestine.

True Signup and view all the answers

Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a proper care habit for the digestive system?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Digestive System Overview

The digestive system is a collection of organs that breaks down food into energy.
It involves the breakdown of food into small pieces and molecules.
The digestive system is part of a larger system in the body known as the organ system.
Other systems in the body include the nervous system, circulatory system and others.

Functions of the Digestive System

Ingestion: Taking food into the mouth.
Digestion: Breaking down food into smaller molecules that the body can use.
- Mechanical Digestion: The physical breakdown of food. Examples include chewing, grinding, and moving food down the esophagus.
- Chemical Digestion: The breakdown of food by using acids and enzymes.
Absorption: Nutrients from food pass through the wall of the digestive system into your blood.
Elimination: Substances that cannot be digested are eliminated from the body as feces. This is the removal of undigested matter in the body.

Digestive System Parts

Alimentary canal: Tubular passage through which food passes
- Mouth
- Pharynx
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum
- Anus
Accessory organs: Organs that help in the digestion process by secreting enzymes
- Salivary glands
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas

Journey of Food: From Mouth to Anus

Food begins its journey in the mouth where it is chewed.
Salivary glands secrete saliva that moistens food.
The chewed food, mixed with saliva called bolus, moves down the esophagus through peristalsis.
The stomach digests food using digestive enzymes like hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
The digested food, now called chyme, moves to the small intestine.
The small intestine absorbs nutrients through folds called villi.
Undigested food moves to the large intestine.
Water is reabsorbed in the large intestine.
The undigested matter (feces) is stored in the rectum and eliminated through the anus.

Common Digestive System Ailments

Diarrhea: Characterized by loose, watery stools and frequent bowel movements. Often caused by bacteria or parasites.
Constipation: Characterized by compact, dry, and hard stools. Can be caused by poor diet, low fiber intake, emotional stress, or other medical conditions.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus. This happens when the muscular valve in the esophagus doesn't close properly.
Gallstones: Hardened cholesterol and pigments in the bile build up in the gallbladder.
Peptic Ulcer: A painful wound that occurs in the stomach, and sometimes the small intestine. It can be caused by bacteria that weakens the protective coating in the stomach lining.
Colorectal Cancer: Tumors form in the lining of the large intestine.

Proper Care for the Digestive System

Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet that supports all body functions.
Proper Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness to avoid contamination from foodborne illness
Health Habits: Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption.
Regular Exercise: Helps digestion function better and maintaining healthy weight.

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Description

Explore the intricate processes of the digestive system, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, and elimination. This quiz covers key functions and mechanisms that enable the body to convert food into energy efficiently. Test your understanding of both mechanical and chemical digestion.