Digestive System

hydrochloric acid

A component of the gastric (stomach) juices that aids in the chemical digestion of food. It also kills kills bacteria and other pathogens that might enter the digestive when muscus from the respiratory system is swallowed.

salivary glands

A group of glands found under and behind the tongue and beneath the jaw that releases saliva continually as well as in response to the thought, sight, smell, or presence of food.

liver

A large dark red organ with multiple functions. One of is primary functions in the production of bile.

anus

A muscular opening at the end of the rectum through which waste material is eliminated from the body.

tongue

A muscular organ in the mouth that can taste and mix food with saliva, and push the food into the esophagus.

stomach

A muscular sac that physically and chemically breaks down food.

esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

mucus

A protective substance that lines the stomach to protect it from hydrocloric acid.

insulin

A protein hormone made in the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into tissues.

rectum

A short tube at the end of the large intestine where waste material is compressed into a solid form before being eliminated.

appendix

A small, fingerlike extension off the large intestine; it contains a mass of white blood cells that contribute to immunity.

bile

A substance produced by the liver that breaks up fat particles.

saliva

A watery liquid secreted into the mouth by glands, providing lubrication for chewing and swallowing, and aiding digestion. It contains water, mucus, and enzymes.

small intestine

A winding tightly folded tube about 7m long that connects the stomach to the large intestine. Most of the food a person consumes is digested and absorbed in this organ.

large intestine

About 2 m long and twice the diameter of the small intestine. This organ accepts food remains from the small intestine, removes water, and stores and removes waste from the body.

pancreas

An organ of the digestive system with two roles. The first is to produce digestive enzymes which are delivered to the small intestine. The second is to secrete insulin into the bloodstream to help regulate blood glucose levels.

gall bladder

An organ that stores bile and releases it as needed into the small intestine.

villi

Fingerlike projections on the inner surface of the small intestine. The very large number of these projections increase the surface area so that nutrients can be easily absorbed into the blood stream.

enzyme

In the digestive system it is a type of protein that speeds up the process of chemical digestion.

teeth

Teeth are the organs of chewing, which is also known as mastication. Teeth cut, tear and grind food in the mouth, enabling it to be mixed with saliva (from the salivary glands) effectively and therefore swallowed more easily. The actions performed by teeth are all a form of mechanical digestion.

duodenum

The first part of the small intestine. It is involved in both the chemical digestion of food and its absorption into the blood stream.

gland

an organ that secretes chemical substances used by the body. Glands in the digestive system produces enzymes to breakdown food.

peristalis

contractions of smooth muscle that pushes food through the digestive system