DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The digestive system is a group of organs working
together to break down food into tiny molecules.
Digestion of food is important so that we can obtain
energy from our food.
The alimentary canal is made up of the oral cavity,
pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and
large intestines. In addition there are several important
accessory organs that help your body to digest food the
accessory organs of the digestive system include the
teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and
pancreas. also exist six major functions take place in the
digestive system:
Ingestion
Secretion
Mixing and movement
Digestion
Absorption
Excretion
THE ALIMENTARY CANAL IS MADE UP OF
Mouth:
Physical digestion begins in the mouth where the food is chewed and broken down into smaller
pieces by the teeth. Chemical digestion also occurs in the mouth with chemicals called enzymes.
Oesophagus:
After being chewed and swallowed, food passes through the esophagus a long tube that runs
from the mouth to the stomach.
Stomach: Once in the stomach, which is essentially a mixing and holding area, protein
digestion begins. The food is churned and drenched in a very strong acid called
Hydrochloric Acid.
Small Intestine (6 Meters Long):
The food enters the small intestine. In the small intestine, bile ,pancreatic enzymes, and other
digestive enzymes produced by the inner wall of the small intestine further assist with the
breakdown of food.
Pancreas: Contains digestive enzymes
Liver: Produces Bile (for the digestion of fats)
Large intestine:
After passing through the small intestine, food enters the large intestine. In the large intestine,
some of the water and electrolytes are removed from the food.
Rectum – The end of the line:
Solid waste is then stored in the rectum until it is excreted via the anus.