Digestive System Overview and Processes

The organ system that processes food for energy and nutrients.

Energy required by cells to perform functions, provided by nutrients from food.

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of cells derived from nutrients.

The process by which the body converts food into energy.

The process of converting food components into usable energy.

A flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

A muscular tube that propels food from the mouth to the stomach using peristalsis.

An expandable muscular sac that holds and digests food into chyme.

Gastric folds lining the stomach that allow expansion and increase surface area.

Wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract, notably in the esophagus.

Acidic secretions in the stomach, including HCl and enzymes like pepsin, aiding in digestion.

Circular muscles that control the passage of materials in the gastrointestinal tract.

Thick, acidic liquid produced in the stomach from digested food.

A muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach that prevents backflow.

A muscle that regulates food passage from the stomach to the small intestine, releasing chyme every 20 seconds.

Digests and absorbs nutrients from food with help from liver and pancreas.

Enzymes secreted by the small intestine that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and lactose.

Villi and microvilli in the small intestine that maximize nutrient absorption by increasing surface area.

A long organ behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones.

An enzyme that digests starch and glycogen into maltose.

An enzyme that breaks down emulsified fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

A compound that neutralizes chyme to protect intestines and adjust pH.

Enzymes that digest proteins and polypeptides into amino acids.

A protease that digests proteins at basic amino acids like arginine and lysine.

The part of the digestive system where water and salts are reabsorbed, and waste is formed.

Feces consists of 75% water and 25% indigestible waste and bacteria.

The process of bringing nutrients into the body via the mouth.

The process of transporting digested nutrients into cells.

The physical process of breaking food into smaller pieces.

The process where enzymes break down food into simpler nutrients.

Glands that produce saliva to lubricate food and aid digestion.

Sensory organs on the tongue that identify food taste/quality.

The cavity connecting the mouth to the esophagus and trachea.

Rhythmic contractions of circular muscles move chyme through the intestine.

Nutrients like water, sugars, and amino acids are reabsorbed in the small intestine.

Villi in the small intestine absorb nutrients into blood and lymph vessels.

First section of the small intestine, where digestion occurs with help of enzymes.

Middle section of small intestine, rich in blood vessels for nutrient absorption.

Final section of the small intestine, absorbs most nutrients and water.

Largest organ that stores glycogen, regulates blood sugar, and detoxifies substances.

Alkaline fluid produced by the liver, emulsifies fats in the intestine.