The Digestive System N: 80 - 82
Function The main function of the digestive system is to break down macromolecules into substances the body can use
Digestion Food provides (most of) the nutrients we need to survive Food is processed in 4 stages: Ingestion Digestion Absorption Elimination
Differences in other animals...
Differences in other animals...
Differences in other animals... Can you think of any others?
The digestive tract is a tube that runs from the mouth to the anus The digestive tract is a tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. Food passes through the tract and its related organs. The accessory organs are ones that assist in the process of digestion, food does not travel through them.
The digestive tract
In the mouth... Digestion begins in the mouth Mechanical destruction of food specialized, omnivorous teeth why do we chew food? Enzymatic breakdown of food saliva enzymes break chemical bonds (remember the soda cracker?)
What does it eat?
What does it eat?
What does it eat?
What does it eat?
Through the pharynx and esophagus... Peristalsis occurs in the esophagus and small and large intestines to move food Peristalsis – involuntary smooth muscle contractions that force contents onward
To the stomach... The human stomach contains complex gastric juices that continue the breakdown of food These juices contain... mucus hydrochloric acid enzymes
*Just beyond the stomach... The “chyme” is treated by accessory organs
Into the small intestine... In the small intestine (~6m long), macromolecules are digested into monomers and absorbed into the blood stream Villi & microvilli maximize the absorptive surface area Absorption into blood
The large intestine home-stretch... Unabsorbed materials enter the large intestine (~1.5m long) Primary roles: House helpful bacteria Absorb water 10 trillion bacterial cells convert undigestible nutrients into things we can use
Finally, the rectum & anus! holding area for feces absorbs a little water Anus sphincter that releases feces
Homeostasis Define the following: Ulcer Colon cancer Gall stones Cirrhosis What is a stomach ache? What causes them? What causes diarrhoea and constipation?