Module 2 - Digestive System

What happens to food in the mouth?

Food undergoes mechanical breakdown through chewing, and salivary amylase begins carbohydrate digestion.

What are the major functions of the stomach?

Mechanical mixing and chemical digestion, particularly of proteins using acid and enzymes.

Where does most digestion and nutrient absorption occur?

The small intestine.

What does the large intestine primarily do?

Absorbs water and houses bacteria that make up part of the gut microbiota.

What does the liver produce?

Bile.

What does the gallbladder do?

Stores and releases bile.

What does the pancreas produce?

Digestive enzymes and bicarbonate.

What is mechanical digestion?

Physical breakdown of food, such as chewing and stomach churning.

What is chemical digestion?

Breakdown of food molecules using substances such as enzymes and acid.

What is bile's role in digestion?

It helps with the digestion and absorption of fats.

Where does most nutrient absorption occur?

The small intestine.

Where do water-soluble nutrients primarily enter after absorption?

The bloodstream.

Where do most absorbed dietary fats initially travel?

Through the lymphatic system.