Digestive System Flashcards

Use these flashcards to help study the Digestive System

What is the main purpose of the digestive system?

To break down food into nutrients that the body can absorb for energy and growth.

What is the path food takes through the digestive system?

Mouth → Esophagus → Stomach → Small intestine → Large intestine → Rectum → Anus.

What role does the mouth play in digestion?

It chews food and adds saliva to start breaking it down.

How does the esophagus help digestion?

It pushes food down to the stomach using muscle contractions called peristalsis.

What happens in the stomach?

Food is mixed with acid and enzymes to break it down into a liquid called chyme.

Where does most nutrient absorption occur?

In the small intestine.

What does the large intestine do?

It absorbs water from food waste and forms solid feces.

What is the liver’s role in digestion?

It produces bile, which helps break down fats.

What does the gallbladder do?

It stores and releases bile into the small intestine.

What functions does the pancreas perform?

It produces digestive enzymes and insulin to regulate blood sugar.

What is the rectum’s function?

It stores waste before it leaves the body.

Where does waste exit the body?

Through the anus.