Human Digestive System

Digestion Process

• The process of breaking down food into simple and diffusible molecules is called digestion.
• Digestion takes place in the digestive system.

Digestive System

• The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into smaller substances.
• Its main function is to convert food into energy and nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Importance of Digestion

• Digestion is important because it allows the body to extract nutrients and energy from food.
• Organisms need food to obtain energy and nutrients to sustain life.

Mouth and Digestion

• The organ that comes in contact with food and secretes digestive enzymes is the mouth.
• The main function of saliva in the mouth is to break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
• Physical digestion, which involves the breakdown of large food particles into small particles, occurs in the mouth.

Alimentary Canal

• The length of the alimentary canal is approximately 9 meters.
• The alimentary canal is the passage through which food travels during digestion.

Esophagus

• The function of the esophagus is to transport food from the mouth to the stomach.

Accessory Digestive Organs

• The liver is part of the accessory digestive organs.
• The liver stores and releases bile, which helps in the digestion of fats.

Pancreas

• The role of the pancreas in digestion is to produce digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• Chemical digestion, which involves the breakdown of food into smaller molecules, occurs in the presence of these enzymes.

Chemical Digestion

• During chemical digestion, enzymes break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
• Physical digestion and chemical digestion work together to break down food into nutrients and energy that can be utilized by the body.