Digestive System Functions Digestion mechanical and chemical breakdown

Digestive System

Functions • Digestion- mechanical and chemical breakdown of food’s for the body to use • Absorption- passage of food (digested) to the cardiovascular system • Elimination- expelling (getting rid of) undigested food or waste

Structure • 1 st Stage of the process is Ingestion (taking food into your body) – Teeth- break food into smaller pieces (mastication is the process of chewing) – Salivary glands- produce digestive juices that contain an enzyme that starts to break down and make it easier to swallow food – Tongue- helps food to be swallowed – Muscular contractions forces food into pharynx, the uvula closes the nasal passages, the epiglottis closes the trachea

Once swallowed food goes to the: • Esophagus- tube 10 inches long and connects to the stomach • Stomach- mixes food with gastric juices, holds food/juices, once digested it is converted into chyme • Pancreas- produces enzymes • Liver- produces bile (breakdown fats) • Gallbladder- stores bile

Small Intestines • 20 -23 feet long, one inch diameter • Three parts- dissolves food further, absorb/carry food through capillaries in the villi

Large Intestines (Colon) • 5 -6 feet long, 2. 5 inches in diameter • Absorb water, vitamins, salts and eliminates waste • Solid waste are eliminated, undigested food is converted into feces by healthy bacteria • Feces are excreted out of the anus during a bowel movement

Care of the Digestive System • Well-balanced diet- variety of foods, high in fiber, low in fat • Wash hands- prevent harmful bacteria • Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly • Drink water

Functional Problems • Indigestion- feeling of discomfort, fullness, can be caused by spicy foods, eating too quickly or too much • Heartburn- burning sensation resulting from acid reflux (backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus) • Gas- excessive gas can result in cramps • Constipation- bowel movements are difficult

Structural Problems • Appendicitis- inflammation of the appendix or may burst • Lactose intolerant- don’t produce enough lactase, can’t digest lactose • Ulcer- sore in the lining • Chrohn’s disease- inflammation of the digestive tract • Colon cancer