the human digestive system

What are the main functions of the digestive system?

Digestion (mechanical & chemical), absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste.

Name the organs of the digestive system in order.

Mouth → Oesophagus → Stomach → Small intestine → Large intestine → Rectum → Anus

What is the function of the mouth in digestion?

Chews food (mechanical digestion) and starts carbohydrate digestion with salivary amylase.

What enzyme does the stomach secrete for protein digestion?

Pepsin.

What is the role of bile?

Emulsifies fats to increase surface area for lipase action.

Where are digestive enzymes from the pancreas released?

Into the small intestine.

What is the function of the large intestine?

Absorbs water and forms faeces.

What enzyme breaks down starch in the mouth?

Salivary amylase.

Which enzyme breaks down proteins in the stomach?

Pepsin.

What is the function of pancreatic amylase?

Breaks down starch into maltose in the small intestine.

What do maltase, sucrase, and lactase do?

Break down maltose, sucrose, and lactose into simple sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose).

What enzyme digests fats, and where does it act?

Lipase, in the small intestine.

Where does most nutrient absorption occur?

Small intestine (villi and microvilli).

How are glucose and amino acids absorbed?

Active transport into capillaries.

How are fatty acids and glycerol absorbed?

Diffusion into lacteals (lymphatic system).

What is absorbed in the large intestine?

Water and minerals.