The Digestive System

Front

What is the main function of the digestive system?

Back

To break down food into nutrients that the body can use.

Front

What is mechanical digestion?

Back

The physical process of breaking down food into smaller pieces, such as chewing.

Front

What is chemical digestion?

Back

The process of breaking down food using enzymes and acids.

Front

What role does saliva play in digestion?

Back

Saliva contains enzymes that begin the chemical digestion of carbohydrates.

Front

What is the function of the stomach in digestion?

Back

The stomach mixes food with gastric juices, breaking it down into a semi-liquid form called chyme.

Front

What is the role of the small intestine?

Back

The small intestine is where most digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.

Front

What is the function of the pancreas in digestion?

Back

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid in digestion.

Front

What is bile and where is it produced?

Back

Bile is a substance that helps digest fats, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

Front

What happens in the large intestine?

Back

The large intestine absorbs water and forms waste products (feces) for elimination.

Front

What is chyme?

Back

Chyme is the semi-liquid mixture of food and digestive juices in the stomach.