Digestive System

Digestive system

The system in the body responsible for breaking down food into nutrients to be distributed throughout the body.

Macronutrients

Nutrients needed in large quantities by the body, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules that serve as the body's main source of short-term energy and make up 50-60% of the diet.

Protein

A biomolecule made up of amino acids joined by peptide bonds, which helps build muscles, fights infection, and aids in cell division. It makes up 15-30% of the diet.

Fat

A nutrient that serves as the body's source of long-term energy and makes up 20-30% of the diet.

Micronutrients

Nutrients needed in smaller quantities by the body, including vitamins and minerals.

Water

A micronutrient that transports nutrients and oxygen into cells, protects and moisturizes joints, detoxifies the body, and plays a role in metabolism and organ protection.

Process of digestion

The series of steps involved in breaking down food, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, and excretion.

Digestive Tract

A long tube of organs through which food passes during digestion.

Accessory organs

Organs that aid in digestion by releasing substances that break down food.

Mouth

The initial receiver of food, containing salivary glands that produce saliva to help form a bolus for swallowing.

Esophagus

A passageway for the bolus from the mouth to the stomach, facilitated by peristalsis.

Stomach

An organ that kills off bacteria/viruses with acid, protects its lining with mucus, and mechanically and chemically breaks down food into chyme.

Small Intestine

The site of most nutrient absorption, aided by the liver and pancreas.

Large Intestine

Absorbs water from waste material, produces vitamins, and stores and eliminates waste as feces.

Teeth

Aid in digestion through mastication, with different types of teeth serving different functions.

Salivary glands

Glands that release saliva containing enzymes that break down carbohydrates.

Pancreas

A gland that releases enzymes to break down various types of digestible food, including fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Liver

The largest gland in the body that produces bile, which aids in the digestion of fats.

Gallbladder

Stores and releases bile, located below the liver.

Mechanical Digestion

The breakdown of food into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for enzyme action.

Chemical Digestion

The breakdown of food by enzymes into simpler chemical substances for absorption.

Digestive enzymes

Chemicals that break down large insoluble food molecules into smaller soluble molecules for absorption.

Main nutrients

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs for energy, growth, repair, and overall health.