Name_________________________
Date ______________
Digestion Study Guide
Word
Definition
absorption
Nutrient particles pass through the walls of your
digestive system and into your circulatory system
digestion
The process by which your body breaks down food
into small nutrient particles
esophagus
A muscular tube connecting the mouth to the
stomach
enzyme
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in your
body
duodenum
The beginning portion of the small intestine where
food mixes with bile and enzymes, where most
chemical digestion takes place
saliva
The fluid released when your mouth waters. It
begins the breakdown of starches.
epiglottis
A flap of tissue that seals off your windpipe,
preventing food from entering
gall bladder
Stores bile
large
intestine
Water from undigested food is absorbed into the
bloodstream, this is where most of the absorption
of water occurs
liver
Produces bile
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Date ______________
Word
Definition
mouth
Where digestion begins
pancreas
Produces enzymes that help break down starches,
proteins, and fats
peristalsis
Involuntary smooth muscle contractions that push
food through the digestive system
salivary
glands
Produce juices in the mouth that aid in the initial
mixing of food in the mouth
small
intestine
The long, winding organ where nutrients are
absorbed, this is where most of the nutrients are
absorbed and where most chemical digestion takes
place
stomach
A j-shaped pouch where food is churned and
digestive juices are added
teeth
Breaks, grinds food into pieces
villus
Tiny, finger-like projections found in the small
intestine that absorbs nutrient particles
pepsin
An enzyme in the stomach that helps break down
proteins
tongue
A muscle in the mouth that aids in chewing and
swallowing. It moves food toward the throat.
anus
The place at the end of the digestive system where
food leaves the body
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Date ______________
Word
Definition
mechanical
digestion
The physical breaking down of food (in the mouth
and stomach)
chemical
digestion
Chemicals further break down food into nutrient
molecules (stomach and intestines)
bile
A substance produced by the liver that breaks up
fat particles
rectum
A short tube at the end of the large instestine where
waste is compressed into solid form
STARCH
mouth/salivary Broken down
gland
by saliva
stomach
PROTEIN
FAT
Broken down
by pepsin
liver
Makes bile
THAT
pancreas
duodenum
Makes
enzymes
THAT
Breaks down
starch
Makes
enzymes
Makes
enzymes
THAT
Break down
protein
THAT
Breaks up fats
Breaks down
fats
What are the three main functions of the digestive system?
1. Digest food
2. Absorbs nutrients
3. Eliminates waste
Name_________________________
Date ______________
What are two kinds of digestion and where does each mostly
occur?
1. Mechanical – occurs mostly in the stomach
2. Chemical – occurs mostly in the small intestine