Human Digestive System

Flashcards covering the key concepts of the human digestive system.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into substances that can be absorbed into the blood.

Digestive System

A collection of organs that break down food.

Gland

A tissue or an organ that produces chemicals.

Adaptation

A feature that helps an organism to function and survive.

Fibre

Bulks up food so it can be moved through the digestive system more easily.

Salivary Glands

Glands in the mouth that secrete saliva, which aids in digestion.

Peristalsis

Muscle contractions in the oesophagus that push food down to the stomach.

Villi

Tiny structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from digested food.

Hydrochloric Acid

A substance produced in the stomach that aids digestion and kills pathogens.

Bile

A liquid secreted by the liver into the small intestine that breaks down fat.

Rectum

The part of the large intestine that stores faeces until they are pushed out through the anus.

Small Intestine

A long, narrow tube where most digestion occurs and nutrients are absorbed.

Large Intestine

The part of the digestive system that receives undigested food and absorbs water.

Oesophagus

The tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, through which food passes.

Anus

The opening at the end of the digestive tract through which faeces are expelled.

Nutrients

The substances in food that provide energy and materials necessary for growth and repair.