Misconceptions digestive system

Front

Learners often state that sugar directly causes tooth decay.

Back

sugar is indirectly responsible for tooth decay: the activity of bacteria feeding on it produces acids that digest the enamel.

Front

oesophagus and the trachea are closely associated, even the same tube.

Back

think about what happens when they choke on a piece of food or water.

Front

interchanging ‘stomach’ with ‘tummy’ or ‘belly’.

Back

the majority of organs of the digestive system, and their correct names.

Front

ingested food passes through all the organs of the digestive system – including the pancreas, liver and gall bladder.

Back

write down the ‘route’ of food through the digestive system in the form of a flow chart.

Front

the small intestines are short, and the large intestines are long.

Back

the terms ‘small’ and ‘large’ refer to the diameter, rather than the length

Front

water is absorbed only in the colon.

Back

most absorption of water takes place in the small intestine, with only a relatively small quantity being absorbed in the colon.

Front

the removal of faeces is an example of excretion.

Back

Distinguish faeces (undigested material) from excreted products such as carbon dioxide and urea, which have been made in the body.