Page 2: Components of the Digestive System
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the digestive system parts and functions, detailing each component's role in the digestive process.
Mouth
The mouth initiates digestion with saliva containing amylase, which begins the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Esophagus
The esophagus, controlled by muscles, acts as the food pipe, transporting food from the mouth to the stomach.
Stomach
The stomach coats food with a mixture of acid and digestive enzymes to aid in breakdown. A protective layer of mucus prevents the stomach lining from being damaged by the acid.
Highlight: The stomach's acidic environment is crucial for breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria, but the mucus layer protects the stomach itself from this harsh environment.
Small Intestine
The small intestine continues to break down food from the stomach and is the primary site for nutrient absorption.
Vocabulary: Absorption of nutrients in the digestive system primarily occurs in the small intestine, where nutrients pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
Large Intestine (Colon)
The large intestine extracts most of the water from the food and distributes liquids to the body. It also absorbs salts.
Rectum
Waste materials are passed out through the rectum as feces.
Pancreas
The pancreas produces pancreatic juices (enzymes) that break down sugars, fats, and starches. It also produces hormones.
Example: The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, showcasing how the digestive and endocrine systems are interconnected.
Liver
The liver continuously produces bile, which helps turn fats into energy for the body to use.
Bile Duct and Gallbladder
The bile duct transports bile to the small intestine, while the gallbladder stores and releases bile as needed.
Peristalsis
Peristalsis is the process of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
Definition: Peristalsis is a series of coordinated, wave-like muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive system, ensuring efficient movement and processing of food.