Unit 6.11

 Responsible for the physical and chemical breakdown of food so that it can be taken into the bloodstream and used by body cells and tissues.  Also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) system.

The Alimentary Canal-a long muscular tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. The Accessory organs-the salivary glands, tongue, teeth, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

 Used to taste  Contain teeth to masticate  Tongue-contains receptors called “taste buds” -Sweet, salt, sour, bitter  Salivary glands-produce saliva to moisten food for easy swallowing

 Pharynx (throat)-carries both air and food  When you swallow food, throat muscles help the epiglottis close over the larynx (voicebox) so that food will travel into the stomach instead of the lungs.

 The muscular tube behind the trachea  Receives food from the pharynx and carries it to the stomach  Relies on rhythmic “wave-like” involuntary movement of muscles called peristalisis which moves the food forward.

 Receives food from the esophagus  Contains a pyloric sphinctor that keeps food in until it moves to small intestine  Food stay for about 1-4 hours then  Food coverts to a semi fluid called “chyme”  Contains hydrochloric acid which aids in killing bacteria, helps with iron absorption, and activates pepsin (protein digestion).

 Chyme now enters the small intestine  Coiled approx 20 feet long and 1 inch on diameter  Divides into 3 sections: Duodenum, Jejunum, and the Ileum.  Lined with “villi” which are finger-like projections that contain blood capillaries that absorb digestive nutrients

 Final section of the alimentary canal  Approx 5 feet and 2 inches in diameter  Absorbs water and any remaining nutrients  Stores indigestible materials and eliminates them  Contains the appendix, cecum, colon, rectum, and anus.  Colon divides into the ascending, transverse, descending, and the sigmoid to the rectum.

Liver  largest gland of the body  secretes bile so that it may break up fats into water soluble for absorption  stores sugar (glycogen)  stores iron and vitamins  produces heparin-which prevents blood from clotting  Detoxifies (makes it less harmful) alcohol  Destroys bacteria that has been taken into the bloodstream from the intestine

Gallbladder  Small sac under the liver  Stores bile received from the liver  Pushes bile into duodenum Pancreas  Located behind the stomach  Contains juices that are enzymes to digest food  Breaks down sugars  Produces insulin (regulates the burning of carbs to convert to glucose to energy).

FYI  When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, so the glucose builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells.  Too much glucose in the blood can lead to serious health problems.  All people who have type 1 diabetes and some people who have type 2 diabetes need to take insulin to help control their blood sugar levels.  The goal of taking insulin is to keep your blood sugar level in a normal range as much as possible so you'll stay healthy.  Insulin can't be taken by mouth. It is usually taken with injections (shots).

 Appendicitis  Cholecystitis  Cirrhosis  Constipation  Diarrhea  Diverticulitis  Gastroenteritis  Hemorroids  Hepatitis  Pancreatitis  Ulcers  Ulcerative colitis

NOW START MEMORIZING THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM!!!