Starring: Esther Esophagus with Sammy Stomach The Digestive System Starring: Esther Esophagus with Sammy Stomach

Nutrients A source of nourishment

Calorie The energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water 10 Celsius

Saliva Moistens food for easy swallowing. Contains amylase (a enzyme) that starts to break food down in the mouth.

Epiglottis Flexible flap of tissue reflexively closes over the windpipe when we swallow to prevent chocking.

Bolus A mass of chewed food at the moment of swallowing.

Pharynx Passageway for food and air. 5 inches/12.7 cm long

Esophagus Muscular tube in your chest that forces food to your stomach

Peristalsis Muscle contractions in the esophagus and intestines that move food through the digestive tract

Sphincter A muscular ring that allows food to enter the stomach and closes to keep food or fluid in. End of esophagus and stomach Outside of anus

Stomach Muscles churn and mix food with acids and enzymes to break food into smaller and more digestible pieces.

Enzymes Gastric juices that help break down food into digestible pieces

Villi Finger-like projections that help to absorb nutrients into the body. Found in the small intestine and stomach.

Appendix May produce enzymes for digestion.

Liver Produces bile that helps to absorb fat

Bile An acid that help break down fats

Gallbladder Stores bile

Chyme What food becomes when ready to leave the stomach. (A thick liquid)

Pancreas Produces insulin as well as enzymes that aid in the absorption of nutrients. Insulin causes cells in the liver, skeletal muscles, and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood.

Small Intestine Contains the Duodenum (break down of food), jejunum (absorption of digested carbs and proteins), ileum (absorb vitamin B12 )

Large Intestine (colon) Area where most nutrients are absorbed. Removes water and forms solid waste that can be excreted.

Rectum Where feces are stored

Anus Where feces are excreted.