Digestive System Function: Moves and digests (or breaks down) food into usable materials for the body Digestion is the process of breaking down food into usable materials.

Mouth Chewing breaks down food (mechanical) and saliva moistens food and amylase enzyme changes starch to sugars (chemical) *yarn- measure front to back of mouth (corner of lips to jawbone)

Epiglottis Blocks the trachea when food is swallowed Epiglottis Trachea (windpipe)

Esophagus Passageway from the mouth to the stomach Yarn- measure top of the neck to stomach. (about 10 in)

Stomach Breaks down food by churning it and digests proteins. Food turns into a liquid called chyme. Yarn- stretch out hand. Measure tip of thumb to tip of little finger.

Small Intestine Enzymes break down chyme and absorbs nutrients through villi to the bloodstream to be delivered to cells. Yarn: measure height four times

Large Intestine or Colon Absorbs water and stores unused solid substances Yarn: Measure height one time

Rectum Feces is stored here Anus Releases feces

Liver Produces bile to break down fat

Gallbladder Pancreas Stores bile Sends enzymes to small intestine to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats