Human Digestive System

• The food we eat must be broken down into simple soluble substances for the body to use
• The breakdown of complex food into simple soluble substances that can be absorbed by the body is called digestion.

Digestive System Organs

• Many organs work together to form the digestive system.
• Organs include the mouth, food pipe, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, and anus.

Mouth

• Digestion starts in the mouth.
• Sharp, biting teeth cut food into small pieces while flat grinding teeth grind the food.
• Saliva, a digestive juice, mixes with chewed food.
• Saliva breakdown starch (a complex carbohydrate) into sugar (a simple carbohydrate).
• Saliva also makes food soft and easy to swallow, with the tongue helping in mixing.

Food Pipe

• From the mouth, food goes into the stomach through the food pipe (esophagus).

Stomach

• The stomach is a muscular bag where food is churned and mixed with digestive juices.
• The stomach walls produce these digestive juices.
• The digestive juices breakdown food into simple and soluble substances.

Small Intestine

• From the stomach, food moves into the small intestine, a long and coiled tube.
• Intestinal juices digest the food in the small intestine.
• The small intestine receives digestive juices from the liver and pancreas.
• Digestion completes in the small intestine.

Absorption

• The digested food is absorbed by blood vessels in the walls of the small intestine.
• It is then carried to other parts of the body by blood.
• Undigested food goes into the large intestine.

Liver

• The liver produces bile.
• Bile helps to digest fats in the small intestine.

Pancreas

• The pancreas produces digestive juices.
• These digestive juices digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine.

Large Intestine

• The large intestine is wider and shorter than the small intestine.
• It holds undigested food, absorbs extra water, and forms stool (semi-solid waste).
• The Rectum, part of the large intestine, stores stool for a short time before it exits the body.

Anus

• Feces are removed through the anus.

Function of the Digestive System

• The digestive system converts complex food into simple soluble substances that are absorbed by the blood.

Importance of Chewing Food Well

• Chewing breaks down larger food particles into smaller particles.
• Smaller food particles are easier to digest in the stomach.
• Nutrients are easily absorbed by the blood in the small intestine.
• Chewing releases saliva, which contains digestive enzymes that aid in digestion.

Need for Water

• Water helps in the proper digestion of food by dissolving minerals and other nutrients.
• This allows the nutrients to be easily absorbed in the body.
• Water dissolves and digests soluble fiber.
• Water helps remove waste through sweat, urine, and feces.
• It prevents constipation by softening feces and removing undigested food.

Regular Bowel Movement

• Removal of stool from the body is called bowel movement.
• Eating fresh fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, and drinking lots of water help in regular bowel movement.
• Having a regular bowel movement prevents constipation.

Excretory System

• Living organisms perform various activities that produce waste products.
• Toxic waste products accumulate in the body and can cause harm.
• Waste products must be removed from the body through excretion.

Excretory Organs

• The kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra are the organs of the excretory system.
• They help remove waste from the body.
• Together these components form the excretory system.

Kidneys

• The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located just above the waist, on either side of the backbone.
• Urine, containing harmful substances, is formed in the kidneys.

Ureters

• Ureters are narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.

Urinary Bladder

• The urinary bladder is a sac-like structure that collects and stores urine.

Urethra

• Urine is removed from the body through the urethra.

Functions of the Excretory system

• Helps to remove harmful products from the body.
• Helps to maintain water content in the body.

Healthy Habits for Proper Digestion and Excretion

• Eat at regular intervals.
• Have a healthy and balanced diet.
• Chew food well.
• Do not overeat, as this causes uneasiness and indigestion.
• Eat food in a clean place.
• Always eat meals in a pleasant atmosphere.
• Avoid running or heavy exercise immediately after eating.
• Have a fixed eating schedule.
• Maintain regular toilet habits, and do not hold stool and urine for extended periods.
• Drink at least two glasses of water upon waking up in the morning.
• Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
• Consume fibre-rich foods like whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits.
• Limit intake of foods high in fat.
• Exercise regularly, as sweating helps your body to remove waste.
• Moderate consumption of sweets and chocolates.