The Stomach
Page 3
DIGITAL STUDY GUIDE
Outline
Topics:
· The mouth
· The stomach
· The small intestine
· The liver
· The large intestine
The Mouth
The beginning of the digestive tract
Food is chewed and broken into pieces that can be easily digested
Food is mixed with saliva to begin the process of breaking it down into a form that can be absorbed and used by the body
Saliva contains substances, including enzymes that initiate the process of breaking down food.
The Stomach
Holds food
Mixes and grinds food
Secretes acid and powerful enzymes to help break down food
Hydrochloric acids and enzymes are secreted by the lining of the stomach
The muscles of the stomach contact in a process called peristalsis to mix food with enzymes and acid
Food leaves the stomach in the form of a consistent liquid or paste
Small Intestines
Comprise three segments: The duodenum, Jejunum, ileum
The process of breaking down food is continued
The pancreas releases enzymes while the liver releases bile to help break down food
Bile aids the digestion of fat and eliminates waste products from the blood
The duodenum is largely responsible for breaking down of food while the jejunum and ileum are responsible for absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream
The Liver
The body’s chemical factory
Two main functions that fall within the digestive system are:
· Make and secrete bile
Bile contains bile acid required for the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestines
Many waste products are eliminated from the human body through secretion into bile