The Digestive System

Digestion process of making food usable by breaking it down using enzymes

Enzymes proteins made by the body that make specific reactions occur at a faster rate

The Mouth Teeth break the food down mechanically Saliva helps break down the food chemically Tongue pushes food around and towards back of throat for swallowing

Esophagus & Epiglottis Stretchy pipe that leads from the back of the throat to the stomach Epiglottis flap that covers the windpipe to avoid food going into your lungs

4-layer Basic Plan in the Wall of the Alimentary Canal Digestive Tract

Peristalsis Peristalsis is a distinctive pattern of smooth muscle contractions that propels foodstuffs distally through the esophagus and intestines

The Stomach Stretchy sack that is shaped like a “J” Has strong muscles and hydrochloric acid that break down the food and pepsin that b/d proteins into amino acids

Microscopic Anatomy of the Stomach

The Small Intestine Small intestine about 22’ long Enzymes- bile from the liver concentrates fats and from the pancreas, trypsin continues to b/d proteins, amylase b/d carbohydrates and lipase b/d fats nutrients diffuse from small intestine to blood

Anatomy of the Small Intestine

Regions of the Small Intestine

Liver, Gall Bladder, & Pancreas makes bile 1st place that nutrients go from small intestine so harmful substances can be filtered out Gall bladder holds bile Pancreas makes enzymes to help digest fats and protein

Gross Anatomy of the Pancreas

The End of the Tract Large Intestine Rectum Anus About 5’ long, absorbs salts, vitamins, water and minerals unused parts of food move through to be excreted from the body Appendix no purpose Rectum solid waste stays here until you have a bowel movement Anus opening that solid waste is pushed through

THE FINAL END OF THE TRACT