Digestive System

Digestive System Learning Goals Understand the structure and function of the digestive system. Identify problems and diseases associated with the digestive system. Identify techniques that keep the digestive system healthy.

3 Main Functions a. Digestion – breakdown of foods within stomach and intestines for use by body’s cells b. Absorption – passage of digested food from digestive tract into blood c. Elimination – body’s expulsion of undigested food or body wastes.

The Digestive Process 4 sections 1. Mouth 2. Throat 3. Stomach 4. Intestines

The Digestive Process - Mouth a. Teeth break food you eat into smaller pieces b. Mastication – the process of chewing c. Saliva is produced by salivary glands. Saliva contains an enzyme that breaks down food in the mouth – Amylase.

The Digestive Process - Mouth d. Tongue – shapes and prepares food for swallowing Make sure to brush tongue to avoid bad breath!!!

The Digestive Process – The Throat a. The uvula – small flap of tissue at the back of the throat that prevents food from going to the nasal passages b. The epiglottis – flap of tissue which covers the throat, preventing food from entering your airways.

The Digestive Process – The Throat c. When food is swallowed, it enters the esophagus – a 10 inch tube that connects the throat to the stomach d. Peristalsis – series of involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive system e. (similar to squeezing a tube of toothpaste from the bottom up)

The Digestive Process - Stomach a. Stomach - hollow sac-like organ connected to the esophagus b. Functions: - digests food with gastric juices - moves food into small intestine c. Converts food into chyme - a creamy mixture of food and gastric juices.

The Digestive Process - Intestines a. from the stomach, food moves into small intestines 20-23 feet long, 1 inch in diameter This is where most of the nutrients from food are absorbed into the body!!! b. inner lining contains villi – tiny fingerlike projections that help absorb nutrients

The Digestive Process - Intestines c. any unabsorbed material goes from the small intestine into the large intestine d. here water is absorbed; helps to eliminate waste e. undigested food passes through the large intestine; or the colon f. exited through the anus

Helpers of the Digestive System 1. It is important to note food DOES NOT pass through these organs! 2. Pancreas a. produces enzymes to help break down food b. produces insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels

Helpers of the Digestive System 3. Liver a. produces bile b. Bile – a green fluid that helps breakdown fats 4. Gallbladder a. small pouch which stores the bile

HEARTBURN Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus). Caused by: Spicy foods, citrus products, fried foods, alcohol, caffeine. Symptoms: Burning pain in the chest, Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth.

GAS Gas in your digestive system is part of the normal process of digestion. Getting rid of excess gas, either by burping or passing gas (flatus), also is normal. Gas pain may occur if gas is trapped or not moving well through your digestive system. Causes: Swallowing air when you eat and drink, high Fiber foods, carbonated beverages, and sugar substitutes. Symptoms: Burping, Passing gas, Pain, Cramps, feeling of fullness.

NAUSEA The sensation of an urge to vomit. Causes: Chemo, migraine, motion sickness, the flu, over exerting your body. Symptoms: Profuse sweating, dizziness, experience retching.

GASTRITIS Inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Can be caused by: Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis, bacterial infection, old age, stress, excessive alcohol. Symptoms: Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, feeling of fullness.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Unable to fully digest the sugar in milk. Causes: When your small intestine doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme to digest milk sugar. Symptoms: Diarrhea, nausea, cramps, bloating, gas

PEPTIC ULCER Open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. Causes: Regular use of pain relievers, some other medications, bacteria, smoke, alcohol, spicy foods.

HEMORRHOIDS I’m not showing you a picture of this! Gross Swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum. Causes: Straining during bowel movements, chronic diarrhea or constipation, obesity, pregnancy, low-fiber diet. Symptoms: Bleeding during bowel movements, itching, pain, swelling, a lump near anus.

Digestive System Care 1. Eat foods high in fiber! Fiber helps food and waste pass through the digestive tract Reduces risk of colon cancer Beans, Prunes, Pears, and Leafy Green Vegetables are good sources

Digestive System Care 2. Drink plenty of water 8 glasses a day! Helps keep things moving regularly

Digestive System Care 3. Eat slowly and don’t hurry through your meals Eating too fast can cause gas or indigestion