Download Digestive System


Breaks down food into small parts mechanical
(physical) & chemical (acids & enzymes)
digestion.

release food into blood stream for distribution
(via the villi in the small intestine)

prepare undigested food for elimination

Peristalsis – muscular contractions that move
food throughout digestive tract

mouth – place where digestion begins; food is
chewed using teeth and tongue (mastication)
made softer/smaller with the help of saliva from the
salivary glands

esophagus – tube leading from the mouth to
the stomach

stomach – organ where food is made into a
paste called chyme with the help of these enzyme
and acid (releases pepsin and hydrochloric acid)

gall bladder
› organ that produces and stores bile, which is a
yellow-brown digestive liquid.
› After leaving the gallbladder, bile goes to the
small intestine.

liver
› organ that releases bile in order to break down
fats

pancreas
› organ that aids small intestine in digestion of
sugars, carbs, proteins & fats

small intestines
› 20 foot coiled tube where absorption of food into
blood takes place
› fingerlike projections called “villi” help in the
process of absorption (capillaries)
› Duodenum-segment that breaks down food

large intestine
› extends below small intestine
› undigested food is prepared for elimination from
the body.

Colon Cancer
› cancer of the large intestine
› more common in people over 50

Colonoscopy
› procedure recommended for people over
the age of 50
› checks for polups in the colon which may be
early signs of cancer

Hepatitis – viral infection of the liver
(inflammation)

Diabetes
› Type 1 – Insulin deficiency/develops in
childhood
› Type 2 – Insulin resistant/develops in later
adulthood as a result of poor diet
› Gestational – a woman may develop this
during pregnancy by putting too much
weight.

Appendicitis
› inflammation and swelling of the appendix – should it
burst, may become life threatening.
› Signs are sharp/acute pain in the lower right side of
the abdomen – extremely painfully to the touch. You
must go immediately to the hospital.

Dehydration
› the sudden loss of fluids from the body due to
excessive exercise, heat or illness.
› Signs: thirst, loss of appetite, dry skin (no sweat), dark
urine, dry mouth(no saliva), fatigue, and chills.
Potentially Fatal.

Gastric Bypass Surgery
› stomach stapling
› stomach is surgically made smaller in order
to control weight gain.
chew food carefully and slowly
 cook food thoroughly
 eat plenty of fiber (fruits, vegetables,
whole grains)
 drink enough water (8 cups every day)
 reduce amounts of saturated fat and
sugar in diet
 exercise – burn off excess calories and
fat

Working together…

Excretory System – eliminates solid waste
from digestive system.