PLTW Unit 4

function of sphincter

ring of muscle that opens/closes to control movement of food

function of upper esophageal sphincter

opens to let foods and liquids enter esophagus, keeps air out

function of lower esophageal sphincter (aka cardiac sphincter)

opens to allow food to enter the stomach during swallowing, then closing immediately to prevent acid, bile, and stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus

function of pancreas

makes enzymes that break down food, carbs proteins and fats, and releasing hormones to manage blood sugar

function of pyloric sphincter

a small muscle that controls the flow of water and partially digested food leaving your stomach to go into the small intestine

function of salivary glands

makes saliva which contains enzymes that start chemical digestion and starts breaking down carbs

function of teeth

chewing food into smaller pieces (mechanical digestion)

function of uvula

lifts up and blocks the nasal pharynx so food can’t go into nose when swallowing

function of pharynx

passageway that moves food from mouth to the esophagus

function of liver

produces bile, not enzyme, to start breaking down fats

function of esophagus

moves food to stomach using peristalsis

definiton of peristalsis

wave like muscle contractions that push food through the digestive system

function of tongue

taste buds, taste, aids in chewing and swallowing

function of appendix

contains good bacteria, allowing the microbiome to repopulate after illnesses like diarrhea

function of epiglottis

covers trachea so food doesn’t go down trachea

function of gallbladder

stores bile, aids in digestion of fats, bile regulation, waste removal

function of jejunum

2nd part of small intestine, absorbs most nutrients

function of ileum

3rd part of small intestine, absorbs remaining nutrients (like vitamins)

function of duodenum

1st part of small intestine, where most chemical digestion happens

function of large intestine (colon)

absorbs water, forms solid waste

function of rectum

stores feces before leaving body

function of anus

releases waste (controlled by sphincters)