DS Flashcards
(40 cards)
WHAT DOES THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DOES
the digestive system converts food into small molecules that can de used by th cells of the body.
phases of food processing
ingestion
digestion
absorption
elimination
what is ingestion
process of putting food into your mouth (the opening of the digestive of the tract
ways of breaking down food
mechanical and chemical digestion
mechanical digestion
is the physical breakdown of large pieces of food into smaller pieces. chewing begins the process of mechanical digestion
chemical digestion
is the is when enzymes break down food into small molecules the body can use. chemical digestions begins as digestive enzymes in saliva start the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into smaller molecules
ABSORPTION
once food has broken into small molecules it can be absorbed by cells in the small intestine. from the small intestine, the molecules enter the circulatory system, which transports them throughout the body
ELIMINATION
materials such as cellulose travel through the large intestine and are eliminated from the body as feces
what occurs during digestion
during digestion, food travels through the mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestine
alimentary canal
one way tube that passes through the body
protection of teeth
coating of mineralized enamel
teeth work
incisors, cuspid and bicuspids cut into and tear foos. molars grind and crush food into a fine paste that can be swallowed.
release of saliva
salivary glands secrete saliva which helps moisten the food and make it easier to chew. the release of saliva is under the control of the nervous system.
SALIVA
begins the process of chemical digestion. saliva contains an enzyme called amylase that begins to break the chemical bonds in starches, forming sugars. saliva also contains lysozyme, an enzyme that fights infection by digesting the cell walls of many bacteria that may enter the mouth with food.
enzymes in saliva
- amylase begins to break the chemical bonds in starches, forming sugars
- lysozyme, an enzyme that fights infection by digesting the cell walls of many bacteria that may enter the mouth with food
what happens when the food is chewed
the combined actors of the tongue and throat muscles push the clump of food, called a bolus, down the throat. when you swallow, the bolus first enters the area at the back of the throat called the pharynx. as this occurs, a flap of connective tissue called the epiglottis closes over the opening of the trachea
the esophagus
from the throat the bolus passes through the esophagus into the stomach.
how you move food through the esophagus toward the stomach
contraction of smooth muscle known as peristalsis provide the force that moves food from the esophagus toward the stomach. muscles in the walls of the esophagus contract in waves.
closing of the esophagus
after food passes into the stomach, a thick ring of muscle called the CARDIAC SPHINCTER closes the esophagus. this prevents the contents of the stomach from flowing back
heartburn
overeating or drinking excess caffeine can cause a back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. persistent heartburn can cause damage to the esophagus and is a reason to visit a doctor
Pepsin
enzyme that functions best in acidic conditions. breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptide fragments
stomach
is a large muscular sac that continues the process of MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL digestion the lining of the stomach contains millions of microscopic gastric glands that release many substances into the stomach
Microscopic gastric glands functions
- Some produce hydrochloric acid
- release pepsin (breaks down proteins into smaller polypeptide fragments)
- produce mucus (fluid that lubricates and protects the stomach wall)
MUCUS, ULCERS, STOMACH
A stomach gland produces MUCUS which lubricates and protects the stomach wall. if this layer fail acids may erode the stomach lining and a sore called PEPTIC ULCER. most peptic ulcers are the result of infection with the bacterium called HELICOBACTER PYLORI. peptic ulcer can be cured with antibiotics (extra: scientist thought that peptic ulcers were caused because of too much stomach acid instead of the helicobacter pylori)