Lesson #1: Introduction

Question 1

The Digestive System

Answer 1

Responsible for converting what we
eat and drink into substances our
bodies need to function

Water, protein, carbohydrates,
lipids, amino acids, vitamins and
minerals

Also known as the Alimentary Canal
or Gastrointestinal Tract (GI tract)

The gastrointestinal tract is 9m long
and made up of 4 functional parts.

Question 2

1. Ingestion

Answer 2

The digestive process begins
here with food entering the
gastrointestinal tract through the
Oral Cavity.

The oral cavity consists of the
mouth, tongue, teeth, salivary
glands, epiglottis, pharynx and
esophagus.

Question 3

2. Digestion

Answer 3

Food is passed from the oral cavity to the Stomach and Small Intestine where
it is broken down into smaller more basic substances. This is done in 2 forms:

1. Mechanical Digestion – complex substances are broken down into
   smaller more absorbable pieces without being chemically changed.
2. Chemical Digestion – complex substances are chemically broken down
   into more absorbable pieces.

Question 4

3. Absorption

Answer 4

Material from the “broken down food” that can be used by the body is
absorbed by the Small and Large Intestines.

Question 5

4. Egestion

Answer 5

Undigestable material and waste must be removed from the body.

These materials are passed to the Rectum and released through the Anus.