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The Digestive System

Explore the human digestive system's components and their functions, from teeth's mastication to the lower gastrointestinal tract's nutrient absorption. Teeth initiate digestion by breaking down food, while the epiglottis prevents choking during swallowing. The pharynx aids in both respiration and digestion, and the esophagus transports food to the stomach, where chemical digestion occurs. Accessory organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas contribute to digestion and absorption, with the intestines completing the process.

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1

First stage of digestion in humans

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Mastication - teeth mechanically break down food into smaller pieces.

2

Role of saliva in digestion

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Contains amylase for carbohydrate digestion; neutralizes bacteria; cleans food particles.

3

Formation and function of bolus

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Bolus is a mass formed by chewed food and saliva, facilitating easier swallowing and digestion.

4

The ______ is a structure shaped like a leaf, situated at the larynx's top, just behind the ______.

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epiglottis tongue

5

During the act of swallowing, the ______ acts as a barrier for the ______, ensuring food enters the ______ instead.

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epiglottis trachea esophagus

6

The ______ aids in taste and maintains an ______ position to let air into the ______ when not swallowing.

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epiglottis upright respiratory tract

7

The ______ reflex is a defensive action that clears unwanted materials from the ______.

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cough larynx

8

Regions of the pharynx

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Nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx; nasopharynx for respiration, oropharynx and laryngopharynx for digestion.

9

Function of pharyngeal muscles during swallowing

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Contract rhythmically to push bolus into esophagus, facilitating food passage to stomach.

10

The ______ is a muscular tube connecting the ______ to the ______, moving through the diaphragm at the ______ ______.

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esophagus pharynx stomach esophageal hiatus

11

Stomach's primary digestive agent?

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Gastric acid, contains hydrochloric acid, activates enzymes like pepsin.

12

Stomach lining protection mechanism?

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Secretes mucus to prevent self-digestion by the acidic environment.

13

Chyme regulation into duodenum?

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Pyloric sphincter controls chyme release into the small intestine's first part.

14

The liver has multiple functions including nutrient processing, ______ production for fat breakdown, and ______.

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bile detoxification

15

The ______ serves as a storage unit for bile and releases it to aid digestion in the ______ when necessary.

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gallbladder small intestine

16

The pancreas is unique due to its ______ role in blood sugar regulation and ______ role in producing enzymes for digestion.

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endocrine exocrine

17

Digestive enzymes from the pancreas help break down ______, ______, and ______ in the small intestine.

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carbohydrates proteins fats

18

Function of small intestine villi and microvilli

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Maximize nutrient absorption by increasing surface area.

19

Role of large intestine in water and electrolytes

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Reabsorbs water and electrolytes, compacts waste into feces.

20

Synthesis and excretion functions of the lower GI tract

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Involved in vitamin synthesis and excretion of waste products.

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The Role of Teeth in Digestion

Teeth are essential for the first stage of digestion, known as mastication or chewing. Humans have different types of teeth, each with a unique function: incisors cut and bite into food; canines tear food; premolars and molars crush and grind food into smaller pieces. This mechanical breakdown of food, combined with the enzymatic action of saliva, forms a manageable mass called a bolus. Saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that begins the digestion of carbohydrates, and also helps to maintain oral hygiene by neutralizing bacteria and washing away food particles.
Close-up view of an open human mouth with healthy teeth, pink gums and uvula in the background, highlighting the tongue and throat.

The Epiglottis and Its Function in Swallowing

The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue at the top of the larynx. It serves as a switch between the trachea (windpipe) and the esophagus (food pipe) during swallowing. By closing over the windpipe, the epiglottis ensures that food and liquid are directed into the esophagus and prevents choking. It also contributes to taste and, when not engaged in swallowing, stands upright to allow air to flow freely into the respiratory tract. The cough reflex is a protective mechanism that expels any substances that accidentally enter the larynx.

The Pharynx's Dual Role in Respiration and Digestion

The pharynx is a muscular funnel that serves both the respiratory and digestive systems. It is divided into three regions: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx. The oropharynx and laryngopharynx are involved in the digestive process, guiding food from the mouth to the esophagus. The pharyngeal muscles contract rhythmically to push the bolus into the esophagus, which lies posterior to the trachea and is the gateway to the stomach.

The Esophagus: A Conduit to the Stomach

The esophagus is a muscular tube that extends from the pharynx to the stomach, passing through the diaphragm via the esophageal hiatus. It is lined with mucous membranes and uses peristalsis to propel the bolus towards the stomach. The upper and lower esophageal sphincters control the passage of food, preventing reflux of stomach contents. The coordinated action of these sphincters and peristaltic movements ensures the one-way movement of food from the mouth to the stomach.

The Stomach's Role in Chemical Digestion

The stomach is a muscular organ that temporarily stores and mixes food with digestive juices. Gastric acid, composed of hydrochloric acid, activates enzymes like pepsin for protein digestion. The stomach lining secretes mucus to protect itself from the acidic environment. The stomach's churning action further breaks down food, creating a mixture called chyme. The pyloric sphincter controls the release of chyme into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The stomach also absorbs certain substances directly into the bloodstream.

The Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas: Accessory Organs of Digestion

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are accessory digestive organs. The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine, produces bile for fat emulsification, and performs detoxification. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it into the small intestine as needed. The pancreas has dual functions: its endocrine role involves regulating blood sugar levels, and its exocrine role involves producing digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the small intestine.

The Lower Gastrointestinal Tract: Completing Digestion and Absorption

The lower gastrointestinal tract, consisting of the small and large intestines, is where the final stages of digestion and nutrient absorption occur. The small intestine, with its highly specialized lining of villi and microvilli, maximizes nutrient absorption. The large intestine reabsorbs water and electrolytes, compacts waste into feces, and plays a role in the fermentation of undigested food by gut bacteria. This region of the digestive system is also involved in the synthesis of certain vitamins and the excretion of waste products.