Human Digestive System Quiz

Digestion Process

• Begins in the mouth, where food is broken down into smaller pieces
• Involves mechanical and chemical breakdown of food

Esophagus

• Responsible for transporting food to the stomach

Enzymes

• Lipase breaks down lipids (fats) in the small intestine
• Amylase breaks down carbohydrates in the mouth
• Trypsin breaks down proteins in the small intestine
• Pepsin breaks down proteins in the stomach

Stomach

• Primary function is mechanical breakdown of food
• Produces hydrochloric acid and enzymes to aid in digestion
• Responsible for chemical digestion of proteins

Liver and Gallbladder

• Liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder
• Bile helps to emulsify fats in the small intestine
• Liver's main function is to detoxify harmful substances

Small Intestine

• Jejunum is responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption
• Villi increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients

Pancreas

• Main function is to produce insulin
• Also produces digestive enzymes to aid in digestion

Large Intestine

• Role is to store feces
• Also absorbs water and electrolytes

Other Components

• Epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing
• Sphincter muscles control the passage of food through the digestive system
• Appendix is a reservoir for beneficial bacteria