Gastrointestinal System Overview

Front

Primary functions of GI system

Back

Ingestion, digestion, absorption, elimination

Front

Enzyme in saliva for carbohydrate digestion

Back

Amylase

Front

Primary function of teeth

Back

Mechanical breakdown of food

Front

Process moving food down esophagus

Back

Peristalsis

Front

Function of lower esophageal sphincter

Back

Prevents stomach acid reflux

Front

Enzyme in stomach for protein digestion

Back

Pepsin

Front

Chyme

Back

Semi-fluid mixture of food and gastric juices

Front

Three sections of small intestine

Back

Duodenum, jejunum, ileum

Front

Where most iron absorption occurs

Back

Duodenum

Front

Villi and microvilli

Back

Structures in jejunum for nutrient absorption