Digestive System

Front

What is mechanical digestion?

Back

Mechanical digestion is the physical process of breaking down food into smaller pieces without changing its chemical structure. An example is chewing food.

Front

What is chemical digestion?

Back

Chemical digestion is the process of breaking down food using enzymes and digestive acids, changing the food's chemical structure. An example is digestive acids in the stomach.

Front

What is the main function of the digestive system?

Back

The main function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients that the body can use for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Front

Which part of the digestive system is responsible for the initial breakdown of food?

Back

The mouth is responsible for the initial breakdown of food through chewing and mixing with saliva.

Front

What role do enzymes play in digestion?

Back

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body, including the breakdown of food during chemical digestion.

Front

What is the role of saliva in digestion?

Back

Saliva helps to moisten food, making it easier to chew and swallow, and contains enzymes that begin the process of chemical digestion.

Front

What is the esophagus?

Back

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, transporting food through peristalsis.

Front

What is peristalsis?

Back

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

Front

What is the stomach's function in digestion?

Back

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

Front

What is the small intestine's role in digestion?

Back

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