The Digestive System

Front

What is mechanical digestion?

Back

Mechanical digestion is the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces, which occurs in the mouth through the actions of the teeth and tongue.

Front

What is chemical digestion?

Back

Chemical digestion is the process by which food is broken down into simpler nutrients by enzymes and acids, primarily occurring in the stomach and small intestine.

Front

What is the pathway food takes through the digestive system?

Back

The pathway food takes is: mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine.

Front

What is the function of the large intestine?

Back

The large intestine is responsible for the absorption of water and the movement of waste.

Front

What is the role of the epiglottis?

Back

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the trachea during swallowing.

Front

What are villi?

Back

Villi are fingerlike structures located in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from digested food.

Front

What is peristalsis?

Back

Peristalsis is the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

Front

What is the primary function of the stomach?

Back

The primary function of the stomach is to break down food using acids and enzymes, turning it into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.

Front

What is the role of the small intestine in digestion?

Back

The small intestine is responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption and further digestion of food.

Front

What is the function of bile?

Back

Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps emulsify fats, making them easier to digest.