Digestive System Flashcards
What are the main parts of the digestive system? (8)
mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, rectum, anus
main function of the stomach
protein digestion
what does the stomach produce
gastric juice
hydrochloric acid (HCI) in the stomach
what does it do
makes stomach very acidic (pH=2), kill bacteria and denatures protein
small intestines
longest compartment, consisting of three parts: duodenum, jejunum, ileum
duodenum
exit of pancreatic and gall bladder ducts, main function: enzymatic digestion
jejunum
absorption
ileum
absorption
large intestine
colon and cecum
colon (large intestine)
is connected to small intestine, main function: reabsorption of water, making feces more solid
cecum
connects to where small intestine and large intestine meet, main function: fermentation of plant materials
rectum
last storage of feces until it can be eliminated
anus
elimination of feces
salivary glands
mechanical digestion (chewing), saliva: lubrication (mucus), chemical digestion of polysaccharides (amylase)
Swallowing transport way
oral cavity -> pharynx -> esophagus -> stomach
pancreas
- Bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acids
- Enzymes for digestion of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates
liver
what does it do and main function
production of bile, which is stored in the gall bladder, main function: digestion of fats
gall bladder
stores and releases bile to help digestive system with breaking down fats
main components of food (4)
carbohydrates, proteins, fat, nucleic acids
carbohydrates
- polysaccharides: starch, cellulose
- disaccharides
- monosaccharides (sugar)
proteins
what can be proteins
grain, meat, fish
fat (triglycerides)
oils
nucleic acids
DNA, RNA
how are most nutrients transported
to the blood -> hepatic portal vein -> liver
