Digestive System

Digestive System

A group of organs that breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and removes waste from the body.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller molecules that the body can absorb and use.

Mouth

The organ where digestion begins; food is chewed and mixed with saliva.

Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, mainly by chewing.

Chemical Digestion

The breakdown of food using enzymes and digestive juices.

Saliva

A liquid in the mouth that moistens food and contains enzymes that begin digestion.

Amylase

An enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch into simpler sugars.

Esophagus

A muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle contractions that push food through the digestive tract.

Stomach

A muscular organ that churns food and mixes it with acids and enzymes.

Stomach Acid

A strong acid that helps break down food and kill harmful bacteria.

Protein Digestion

The process of breaking proteins into smaller molecules in the stomach and small intestine.

Chyme

A thick liquid formed when food mixes with stomach acids and digestive juices.

Small Intestine

The organ where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur.

Villi

Tiny finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

Nutrient Absorption

The process of taking nutrients from digested food into the blood.

Liver

An organ that produces bile to help digest fats.

Bile

A digestive fluid that helps break fats into smaller droplets.

Gallbladder

A small organ that stores bile until it is needed.

Pancreas

An organ that produces enzymes to digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions, including digestion.

Large Intestine

The organ that absorbs water from undigested food and forms solid waste.

Rectum

The part of the digestive system that stores waste before it leaves the body.

Anus

The opening through which waste exits the body.

Carbohydrates

Nutrients that provide the body's main source of energy.

Proteins

Nutrients needed for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.

Fats

Nutrients that store energy and help protect organs.

Nutrients

Substances in food that the body needs for energy, growth, and health.

Waste

Material that remains after digestion and is removed from the body.