Digestive System Ch 6 sec 5

Digestive System The body system that breaks down food so that the nutrients can be used by the body. Three main processes Digestion – mechanical and chemical breakdown of foods within the stomach and intestines that can be used by the body’s cells. Absorption – passage of digested food from the digestive tract to the cardiovascular system. Elimination – the body’s expulsion of undigested food or body’s waste.

Digestion The process by which the food is broken down so that it can be used by the body’s cells.

Where does digestion technically start? Technically, from the time you see and smell food, you are already starting the digestive process.

Mouth Steps of digestion Mechanical- chewing the food Chemical- adding saliva to food

Salivary glands Glands that produce saliva, saliva is the fluid that helps soften food that it can be swallowed. Bolus: What is created when saliva is added to food so that it can be swallowed.

Esophagus The tube through which food passes to the stomach.

Stomach Organ that releases acid and juices that mix with the food and produce a thick paste (chyme) KYM. Chyme- semifluid mass into which food is converted by gastric secretions and which passes from the stomach into the intestines.

Small Intestines Is a coiled tube in which the greatest amount of digestion and absorption takes place. Approximately: 1 inch wide 20 feet in length

Pancreas Gland that produces digestive enzymes and chemicals that control blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism—the way the body uses digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food people eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach. When people eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood into the cells. In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body in the urine. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.

Liver Gland that produces and releases bile to help break down fats Helps to maintain blood sugar levels Filters poisonous waste

Gallbladder Organ that stores bile Bile- Gallstones bitter yellow or green fluid made by the liver to help break down fats. Gallstones form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material

Large Intestine (colon) Tube that extends below the small intestines where undigested food is prepared for elimination form the body. Approximately 2.5 inches in diameter 5 feet long

What causes heartburn? Gastric juices splashing into the esophagus. The esophagus does not have the protective layer mucus like the stomach.

Where is the appendix located? Lower right side of the large intestines.

What causes an appendicitis? Undigested food particles and bacteria get lodged into the appendix, sometimes causing an infection.