Digestive System Anatomy, Enzymes & Processes

Mechanical digestion

Physically breaks down food into smaller pieces

Chemical digestion

Uses enzymes and chemical reactions to break food into small molecules

Gallbladder

Stores bile, which emulsifies fats

Mouth

Mechanical and chemical digestion of carbohydrates begins here

Peristalsis

Muscular movements that push food through the alimentary canal

Large intestine

Absorbs excess water from undigested food

Liver

Produces bile and detoxifies substances

Pancreas

Secretes enzymes that break down carbs, fats, and proteins

Pharynx

Throat; passage connecting the mouth to the esophagus

Alimentary canal

Digestive tract that food travels through

Accessory organs

Organs food doesn't travel through but release substances into the alimentary canal

Protease

Enzyme that breaks down proteins into peptides and amino acids

Lipase

Enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol

Amylase

Enzyme that breaks down starch into smaller sugars