Digestive System

large intestine

The last section of the digestive system, where water is absorbed from food and the remaining material is eliminated from the body

small intestine

Digestive organ where most chemical digestion and absorption of food takes place

liver

Produces bile, which emulsifies fat

pancreas

provides enzymes to aid in digestion

alimentary canal

the whole passage along which food passes through the body from mouth to anus. It includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

anus

A muscular opening at the end of the rectum through which waste material is eliminated from the body

rectum

the final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus.

chewing

grinding something between your teeth

swallowing

automatic contraction of throat muscles that enables food to pass into the esophagus without choking

stomach

A muscular and elastic sac that serves mainly to store food, break it up mechanically, and begin chemical digestion of proteins and fat.

bolus

A term used to describe food after it has been chewed and mixed with saliva

chyme

mixture of enzymes and partially-digested food

peristalsis

the process of wave-like muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along

length of digestive system

20 to 30 feet in length

enzymes

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions

timeline of digestion

* food stays in the stomach for 2 to 6 hours


* it takes 3-5 hours to pass thru the small intestine
* it takes another 4 to 72 hours to pass thru the large intestine

villi

Small fingerlike projections on the walls of the small intestines that increase surface area

epiglottis

A flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.

appendix

protects good bacteria in the stomach

gallbladder

protects and stores bile