THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
FUNCTION The digestive system breaks down large food particles into smaller molecules that can be used by the body Enzymes are chemicals that help speed up digestion.
PARTS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Mouth digestion starts here chewing breaks down food salivary glands secrete saliva saliva moistens food and contains enzymes to break down starch
Esophagus is a muscular tube carries food to the stomach
Stomach secretes acid and enzymes, which help break down protein muscles mix it up
Small Intestine food enters from the stomach The pancreas secretes enzymes into the small intestine, which digest starch, fat and protein the liver produces bile to help digest fat bile is stored in the gall bladder and secreted into the small intestine
the small intestine is 6m long. most digestion occurs here and nutrients are absorbed into the blood through its walls. has a bumpy surface to increase its surface area for absorbing nutrients.
Large Intestine is about 1.5m long stores waste after food has been digested Water is reabsorbed into the body here. bacteria live here that help break down food waste material (feces) leaves the body through the anus