The Digestive System

The Digestive System

Overview

• The digestive system is a complex process by which the body breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food
• It involves the coordination of multiple organs and enzymes to convert food into energy and waste products

Organs of the Digestive System

• Mouth: food enters the mouth where it is chewed by teeth and mixed with saliva containing the enzyme amylase
• Esophagus: a muscular tube that uses peristalsis to transport food to the stomach
• Stomach: a sac-like organ that secretes digestive enzymes and acids to break down proteins and fats
• Small Intestine: a long, thin tube where most nutrient absorption takes place
• Pancreas: produces digestive enzymes and hormones to regulate blood sugar levels
• Liver: filters blood and aids in digestion by producing bile
• Gallbladder: stores bile produced by the liver
• Large Intestine: absorbs water and electrolytes, and stores and eliminates waste

Digestive Enzymes

• Amylase: breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars
• Protease: breaks down proteins into amino acids
• Lipase: breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol

The Digestive Process

1. Ingestion: food enters the mouth where it is chewed and mixed with saliva
2. Mechanical Digestion: food is broken down physically by teeth and muscles in the stomach
3. Chemical Digestion: enzymes break down nutrients into smaller molecules
4. Absorption: nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine
5. Elimination: waste products are eliminated from the body through the anus

Digestive System Overview

• The digestive system is a complex process that breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food through the coordination of multiple organs and enzymes.
• It converts food into energy and waste products.

Organs of the Digestive System

• Mouth: food enters the mouth where it is chewed by teeth and mixed with saliva containing the enzyme amylase.
• Esophagus: a muscular tube that uses peristalsis to transport food to the stomach.
• Stomach: a sac-like organ that secretes digestive enzymes and acids to break down proteins and fats.
• Small Intestine: a long, thin tube where most nutrient absorption takes place.
• Pancreas: produces digestive enzymes and hormones to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Liver: filters blood and aids in digestion by producing bile.
• Gallbladder: stores bile produced by the liver.
• Large Intestine: absorbs water and electrolytes, and stores and eliminates waste.

Digestive Enzymes

• Amylase: breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars.
• Protease: breaks down proteins into amino acids.
• Lipase: breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

The Digestive Process

• Ingestion: food enters the mouth where it is chewed and mixed with saliva.
• Mechanical Digestion: food is broken down physically by teeth and muscles in the stomach.
• Chemical Digestion: enzymes break down nutrients into smaller molecules.
• Absorption: nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.
• Elimination: waste products are eliminated from the body through the anus.

Learn about the complex process of how the body breaks down and absorbs nutrients from food, involving multiple organs and enzymes.