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Mechanical Digestion

process of physically breaking food down into smaller pieces

Chemical Digestion

 process of breaking down food through enzymes

Absorption

nutrients from digested food pass through wall of digestive system into the bloodstream

Mastication

chewing

Incisors

(top/bottom) front teeth that are narrow for cutting

Canines

teeth behind incisors that tear food

Premolars

 teeth behind canines that grind food

Hard Palate/Soft Palate

 bony structure + soft tissue at the back of mouth

Saliva

digestive secretion; makes swallowing easier and softens food

Tonsils

lymphatic tissue in the mouth that fight germs

Uvula

Bolus

Nasopharynx

upper part of pharynx that connects with nasal cavity above soft palate

Oropharynx

part of pharynx that lies between soft palate and upper epiglottis

Laryngopharynx

part of pharynx below the epiglottis that includes the larynx

Epiglottis

flap of cartilage that covers windpipe when swallowing

Peristalsis

involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system

Esophagus

muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach

Stomach

large hollow sac responsible for breaking down food through acid/enzymes

Chyme

mixture of enzymes and partially-digested food

Small Intestine

long tube where most chemical absorption takes place

Villi/Microvilli

tiny projections that line the small intestine and increase its surface area for absorption

Large Intestine

final section of the GI  tract that processes waste material and aims to compact feces for elimination

Cecum

pouch where large intestine begins

Appendix

small pouch that contains WBCs used by the immune system

Rectum

tube at the end of the large intestine where waste is compressed into dewdew

Anus

opening at rectum

Pancreas

organ that produces digestive enzymes and secretes insulin/glucagon  for the regulation of blood sugar

Liver

regulates chemical levels in the body and produces bile

Bile

digestive fluid secreted by the liver that is stored in the gallbladder; breaks down fats

Gallbladder

organ below the liver; stores bile