Download Digestive System

Digestive System
Study Guide
Directions: Answer the following questions on your own piece of
notebook paper.
1. List the three main functions of the digestive system.
a) break down food into usable nutrients
b) absorb nutrient molecules into the blood and carry them to the body
c) eliminate wastes
2. What is peristalsis?
Involuntary muscle contractions that keep food moving in one direction
(example: esophagus)
3. What happens in the large intestine?
Water is absorbed from undigested food, and undigested material gets ready to
be eliminated.
4. What is pepsin?
enzyme in the stomach that aids in chemical digestion
5. What substance in the stomach helps pepsin work?
hydrochloric acid
6. Where does most chemical digestion take place?
small intestines
7. Where does most mechanical digestion take place?
stomach
8. What substance in the mouth contains enzymes that begin chemical digestion?
saliva
9. What is digestion?
process in which your body breaks down food into small nutrient molecules
10. What organ produces bile?
liver
11. What organ stores bile?
gallbladder
12. Where does digestion begin?
mouth
13. Where are villi located, and what is their function?
Villi cover the small intestines. They absorb nutrients and send them to the
blood stream.
14. What is the largest organ in the digestive system?
liver
15. Where is the rectum located?
at the end of the large intestine
16. Which organ produces enzymes that break down proteins?
stomach---Pepsin is the enzyme that breaks down proteins.
17. What is a bolus?
wet mixture of food and saliva
18. What is chyme?
soupy mass of food that moves from the stomach to the small intestine
19. List the organs of the digestive system in the order in which food passes
through them.
mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus
20. Explain the role the following organs play in the digestive system: liver,
gallbladder, and pancreas.
a) liver—The liver produces bile. Bile is a substance that helps to break
up fat particles.
b) gallbladder—The gallbladder stores bile until it is needed. After you
eat, the bile flows from the gallbladder to the small intestine through a
small tube.
c) pancreas—The pancreas releases enzymes that help break down
starches, proteins, and fats in the small intestine.
21. Name the 6 nutrients needed by the body.
carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water
22. Possible discussion question: Explain the process of digestion—be sure to
include the mouth and teeth. Also, include any digestive juices and enzymes
involved.----You’ll have to study that one on your own!
****STUDY THE DIAGRAMS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
YOU WILL HAVE TO LABEL IT ON TOMORROW’S TEST.