Digestive system Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is digestion?
Digestion breaks down large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble ones for absorption into the bloodstream.
Purpose of mouth
Food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Teeth break down food into smaller chunks
Purpose of oesophagus
Food passes down the tube
Purpose of small intestine
Digestive juices from the liver and pancreas complete digestion, and nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestine wall
Large intestine
Food that can’t be digested come this far.Water passes into the body, leaving a solid waste of undigested food.
Rectum
Faeces are stored until they leave the body
How is the small intestine adapted to absorb nutrients quickly?
The wall of the small intestine is thin
It is covered with tiny structures called villi that give the wall a big surface area.
What does vitamin D and iron prevent?
Vitamin D-rickets
Iron- anaemia
Why should you eat foods like probiotic yoghurt?
Contains bacteria which are good for your digestive system
Why is this bacteria known as good bacteria
Release vitamins which can be absorbed by your body, e.g vitamin K which helps wounds
What are enzymes
Enzymes help break down or digest food.
What is peristalsis
The movement of food along the digestive tract by contraction of muscles in the lining on the organs
What is gas exchange?
When the breathing system allows oxygen to diffuse into the blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse out.
What is the order of the passage of air in the respiratory system?
Air➡️mouth/nose➡️trachea➡️bronchi ➡️bronchioles➡️alveoli➡️
