Digestive System Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is digestion?
The process of breaking down food into smaller, absorbable parts.
What is the main purpose of the digestive system?
To break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.
What are the two main types of digestion?
Mechanical digestion and chemical digestion.
What is mechanical digestion?
Physical breakdown of food, like chewing and stomach churning.
What is chemical digestion?
The use of enzymes and acids to break food into nutrients.
What are the major parts of the digestive tract (in order)?
Mouth → Pharynx → Esophagus → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine → Rectum → Anus
What is the role of the mouth in digestion?
Begins mechanical digestion (chewing) and chemical digestion with saliva.
What does saliva contain and what is its role?
Contains enzymes like amylase to start breaking down carbohydrates.
What is the pharynx?
A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus and helps swallow food.
What is peristalsis?
Wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
What is the function of the esophagus?
Carries food from the pharynx to the stomach using peristalsis.
What does the stomach do?
Mixes food with digestive juices (acid and enzymes) to form chyme.
What is chyme?
Mixes food with digestive juices (acid and enzymes) to form chyme.
What enzyme does the stomach secrete to digest protein?
Pepsin.
What are the three regions of the small intestine?
Duodenum, jejunum, ileum.
Where does most digestion and nutrient absorption occur?
Small intestine.
What is the role of the duodenum?
First section of small intestine; receives chyme and mixes it with bile and pancreatic juice.
What is the function of the jejunum and ileum?
Absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.
hat are villi and microvilli?
Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.
What is the role of the large intestine?
Absorbs water and forms feces.
What is the function of the rectum?
Stores feces before elimination.
What is the function of the anus?
The opening through which feces leave the body.
What are accessory organs of the digestive system?
Liver, pancreas, gallbladder.
What does the liver do in digestion?
Produces bile to help digest fats.
