Chapter 15- section 2 The digestive process begins
mucus
A thick, slippery substance produced by the body
What functions are carried out in the digestive system?
Breaks down the food into molecules that the body can use molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream wastes are eliminated
What is chemical digestion? what is mechanical digestion?
Mechanical digestion is when you chew or break down food mechanically. Chemical digestion is next when liquids in your body help break down food.
What key chemicals do the mouth and stomach contain?
enzymes-mouth pepsin-stomach hydrochloric acid-stomach
Which organs does food pass through after leaving the mouth?
esophagus and then to the stomach
Whish teeth are best suited for biting into a juicy apple?
incisors
peristalsis
involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system
What role does mucus play inside the stomach?
makes food easier to swallow and move along
What roles do this mouth, esophagus, and stomach play in digestion?
mouth- both mechanical and chemical digestion begin in the mouth esophagus-after food enters the esophagus, contractions of smooth muscles push the food toward the stomach Stomach-most mechanical digestion occur in the stomach
enzyme
protein that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living thing
Why must mechanical digestion start before chemical digestion?
so it is easier to break things down
absorption
the process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of your digestive system into your blood
digestion
the process by which the body breaks down food into small nutrient molecules
epiglottis
a flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering
stomach
a j-shaped, muscular pouch located in the abdomen
esophagus
a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach
pepsin
an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down protein
How do pepsin and hydrochloric acid work together to digest food in the stomach?
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What could happen if your stomach didn't produce enough mucus? Explain
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saliva
The fluid released when the mouth waters that plays an important role in both mechanical and chemical digestion
How is food prevented from entering the windpipe?
a flap of tissue called the epiglottis seals off your windpipe preventing food from entering it