Human Anatomy - Digestion

Which structure is primarily responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food in the mouth?

What is the role of salivary amylase in digestion?

What process helps move the bolus from the esophagus to the stomach?

What is the function of the lower esophageal sphincter?

Which of the following is NOT a part of the human gastrointestinal tract?

What role does hydrochloric acid play in the stomach?

Which section of the small intestine is primarily responsible for chemical digestion and nutrient absorption?

What is the primary function of the large intestine after food passes through the small intestine?

What triggers the desire to defecate as digested food moves into the rectum?

What structure receives chyme from the stomach in the small intestine?

Human Anatomy - Digestion

Digestion breaks down food into smaller parts to enable cells to absorb nutrients and gain energy
The digestive tract (GIT), also known as the alimentary canal, is around 30 feet (9 meters) long in adults.
The GIT consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum.
The mouth includes teeth, tongue, and salivary glands. Saliva moistens food, teeth and tongue break it down mechanically, salivary amylase breaks down starch into smaller molecules; this process converts food to a bolus.
The esophagus uses peristalsis, the slow contraction of smooth muscles, to move the bolus to the stomach.
The lower esophageal sphincter controls food passage into the stomach and prevents backflow.
In the stomach, food is temporarily stored. Gastric juices (like hydrochloric acid) maintain a pH between 1.5-2.0.
Hydrochloric acid destroys microorganisms, breaks down proteins and plant fibers; which activates pepsin to digest proteins converting food to chyme.
The stomach lining is protected by mucus.
The small intestine (around 20 ft/ 6m) absorbs 90% of nutrients into the bloodstream. It is divided into duodenum, jejunum and ileum.
The large intestine (around 6ft/2m) includes ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.
The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from food waste.
Peristalsis moves waste (feces) to the rectum.
Stretch receptors in the rectum detect fullness and stimulate the urge to defecate.

Explore the intricacies of human digestion with this quiz. Learn about the digestive tract, its components, and the processes involved in breaking down food for nutrient absorption. Test your knowledge of key terms and functions related to the digestive system.