Digestive System Vocabulary

Front

What is the main function of the mouth in the digestive system?

Back

The mouth breaks down food by both mechanical (chewing) and chemical (saliva) digestion.

Front

What is mechanical digestion?

Back

Mechanical digestion is the physical process of breaking down food into smaller pieces by tearing, slicing, churning, and mixing.

Front

What is the epiglottis?

Back

The epiglottis is a small flap of tissue that closes off the windpipe to prevent food from entering the lungs.

Front

What is peristalsis?

Back

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

Front

What is digestion?

Back

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

Front

What role does saliva play in digestion?

Back

Saliva contains enzymes that begin the chemical breakdown of food in the mouth.

Front

What is the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion?

Back

Mechanical digestion involves physical processes to break down food, while chemical digestion involves enzymes breaking down food at the molecular level.

Front

What is the function of the stomach in digestion?

Back

The stomach further breaks down food using acids and enzymes, mixing it into a semi-liquid form called chyme.

Front

What is the small intestine's role in digestion?

Back

The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs, aided by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.

Front

What is the large intestine's function?

Back

The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter and compacts waste for elimination.