Digestive System Vocabulary

Front

The process where the body breaks down food into small nutrient molecules.

Back

Digestion

Front

When food is physically broken down into smaller pieces by tearing, slicing, churning and mixing.

Back

Mechanical Digestion

Front

Breaks down food by both mechanical and chemical digestion.

Back

Mouth

Front

Chemicals produced by the body that break down food into very small pieces.

Back

Chemical digestion

Front

Fluid in your mouth that helps to break down food.

Back

Saliva

Front

Small flap of tissue that closes off your windpipe to prevent food from entering your lungs.

Back

Epiglottis

Front

Long muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

Back

Esophagus

Front

Waves of muscle contractions that push food toward the stomach.

Back

Peristalsis

Front

J-shaped organ located in the middle of the abdomen.

Back

Stomach

Front

The part of the digestive system where most chemical digestion takes place.

Back

Small Intestine