Science_1st quarter - Digestion System Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the main function of the digestive system?
To break down food through mechanical and chemical processes, starting with ingestion and ending with elimination.
What is the path that food takes through the digestive tract?
Mouth β Esophagus β Stomach β Small Intestine β Large Intestine.
What are the six main digestive processes?
- Ingestion
- Propulsion (swallowing & peristalsis)
- Mechanical/Physical Digestion
- Chemical Digestion
- Absorption
- Defecation
Bonus: Assimilation - Absorbed nutrients are used by body cells.
What is ingestion?
The process of taking food into the mouth.
What is propulsion in digestion?
Moving food through the digestive tract via swallowing and peristalsis.
What is mechanical digestion?
Physically breaking down food into smaller pieces through chewing, mixing, and segmentation.
What is chemical digestion?
The breakdown of complex food molecules into simpler components using enzymes and acids.
What is absorption in digestion?
The process of absorbing nutrients from digested food into the blood or lymph.
What is defecation?
The elimination of indigestible substances and waste as feces.
What is assimilation?
The transport and use of absorbed nutrients by body cells for energy, growth, and repair.
What is the function of the mouth in digestion?
- Ingestion
- Chewing (mastication)
- Mixing food with saliva
- Beginning breakdown of carbohydrates and lipids
- Moving food to the pharynx.
What enzyme starts lipid breakdown in the mouth?
Lingual lipase.
What is the esophagus?
A muscular tube that transports food from the pharynx to the stomach using peristalsis.
What is the pharynx?
A part of the upper gastrointestinal tract connecting the mouth to the esophagus.
What happens in the stomach during digestion?
Proteins are broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes; food is mixed with digestive juices.
What is the liverβs role in digestion?
- Secretes bile
- Metabolizes proteins, carbs, fats
- Stores glycogen
- Synthesizes blood-clotting factors
- Removes toxins from blood.
What does the pancreas do in digestion?
- Produces digestive enzymes
- Secretes insulin and glucagon
- Aids in sugar metabolism.
What are the three parts of the small intestine?
Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum.
What are the functions of the small intestine?
- Mix and transport contents
- Produce enzymes for digestion
- Absorb nutrients.
What are villi and their function?
Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption and secretion.
What structures are found inside each villus?
- One artery
- One vein
- Muscle strand
- Lacteal (lymphatic capillary)
- Connective tissue.
What are the parts of the large intestine?
Cecum, Colon, Rectum, Anus.
What are the functions of the large intestine?
- Absorb water and electrolytes
- Store fecal matter
Duration: 24-30 hours for water absorption.
What is the rectum?
The terminal section of the large intestine where feces accumulate before discharge.
