Digestive System, Digestive system (copy)

stomach

An organ of the digestive system where most mechanical breaking down of food happens, churning, protein digestion

esophagus

A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach through peristalsis, rhythmic contractions of its walls

large intestine

Absorbs water and forms feces

liver, gallbladder, pancreas

organs that create chemicals that help the small intestines break down food

Liver

Breaks down toxins, such as alcohol and processes nutrients into forms easier for the rest of your body to use. Makes glycogen from glucose

mouth

where digestion begins, mechanically breaks down food. Chemical → amylase

small intestine

Long hollow tube where most absorption of nutrients occurs. Absorbs water, and electrolytes for un absorbed food → feces. Houses beneficial bacteria

pancreas

An organs in the abdominal cavity with two roles. The first is to produce digestive enzymes . The second is to secrete insulin into the bloodstream to help regulate blood glucose levels. Absorption of nutrients takes place. Inner surfaces lined with finger like projections (villi), covered even smaller with micovilli, increases the surface area for nutrient absorption

gall bladder

An organ that stores bile and releases it as needed into the small intestine

liver

produces bile

rectum

stores solid waste and compresses into more solid form

chemical digestion

breaking down food with enzymes

mechanical digestion

crushing, mashing or breaking down food into smaller pieces

chyme

thick slippery paste of food molecules

hydrochloric acid

kills bacteria in stomach and gives an acidic environment for enzymes to work

villi

fingerlike projections in the small intestine that increase surface area

peristalsis

involuntary squeezing action of the muscles in the digestive system; causes food to move through

epiglottis

flap of tissue that covers the trachea when swallowing food

bacteria

organisms found in the large intestine that help with digestion of solid matter