digestive system.docx

Digestive System

A network of organs and tissues that break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste to provide energy and essential nutrients for the body.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions necessary for digestion.

Mouth

Where digestion begins by chewing food and mixing it with saliva containing enzymes that break down carbohydrates.

Small Intestine

Main site for digestion and absorption of nutrients, divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, where enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver aid in digestion.

Liver

Produces bile to emulsify fats, processes absorbed nutrients, and detoxifies harmful substances in the blood.

Gallbladder

Stores and releases bile into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.

Pancreas

Secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine and produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

Large Intestine (Colon)

Absorbs water and electrolytes, houses beneficial bacteria, and forms feces from undigested food.

Rectum and Anus

Store and expel feces from the body during defecation.

Digestion of Carbohydrates

Breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars using enzymes like amylase, maltase, sucrase, and lactase.

Digestion of Proteins

Breaks down proteins into amino acids using enzymes like pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase.

Digestion of Fats (Lipids)

Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol using enzymes like lipase and bile salts.

Absorption of Nutrients

Absorbs digested nutrients from the small intestine into the bloodstream for distribution to cells throughout the body.

Elimination of Waste

Removes undigested food particles and waste products from the body through the large intestine and rectum.