Digestive Notes
Large Intestine
Absorbs water, leaving more solid material which the body cannot use. Indigestion material is stored for about 24-30 hours before leaving the body.
Appendix
An organ that no longer has a function in your body.
Duodenum
First 10-12 inches of the small intestine.
Rectum
Lowest part of large intestine- solid waste held until released from the body.
Where does digestion begin?
Mouth
Based on our lab evidence, what is the path of the digestive tract (Lab 2)?
Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum.
Tongue
Moves food around.
What is the function of mucus in the digestive tract?
Mucus is a slippery secretion that coast the inner walls of the digestive tract. Helps the movement of food. Protects the stomach from the "stomach juices".
Why does the digestive tract get narrower at some places?
Narrow places are called sphincters. They are muscles that control the passage of food through the digestive system. They also help make sure that food moves through the system in only 1 direction valve. Sphincters muscles are found between organs.
Small Intestine
Nutrients for the body are absorbed and moved into blood stream. Here the process of digestion is completed.
Esophagus
Passageway for food between mouth and stomach.
Liver
Produces digestive juice called bile.
Pancreas
Produces pancreatic juices to further break down food in digestion.
Salivary Glands
Secrete juices into the mouth.
Anus
Skin opening that expels waste from the body.
Gall Bladder
Stores bile until needed for digestion.
Stomach
Stores food while enzymes break down food for further digestion.
What is chemical digestion?
The process of breaking in the bonds of nutrients and changing them into simple forms that can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
What is Mechanical digestion?
The process of physically breaking down food into smaller pieces Ex. Your teeth chew, tear, and grind your food.
What is the main goal of the digestive system?
To get food into a form that can be absorbed into your bloodstream and used by cells to maintain life.
What is peristalsis?
When circular and longitudinal layers of muscles work together to produce wave like motions that push food slowly through the tract. The squeezing and pushing food down your digestive tract.
