THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
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Structure – What something is made of and how it is shaped.
Function – A role, what a structure does in the body.
Organ – A structure in the body that is composed of different kinds of tissue.
Organ system – A group of organs that work together to perform a major function of
the body.
5. Liver – This organ produces bile,
which helps to break down fats. It
also breaks down toxins and
processes nutrients so they are easier
for the body to use.
6. Gallbladder - An organ in the
digestive system that functions to
store bile produced by the liver.
7. Digestion – The process that breaks down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into
smaller, simpler, substances that can be used by cells.
8. Digestive System – The system that breaks down food into simpler substances that
can be used by cells.
9. Chemical Digestion – This kind of digestion chemically breaks down food.
10. Mechanical Digestion – This kind of digestion involves the physical grinding &
tearing of food.
11. Mouth – Digestion begins here. Food is broken down into smaller pieces through
mechanical digestion; saliva in the mouth starts the process of chemical digestion.
12. Esophagus – The muscular tube that carries chewed food to your stomach.
13. Stomach – This organ is attached to the end of the esophagus. Mechanical as well
chemical digestion takes place here.
14. Small intestine –Most of the chemical digestion of food is completed here; nutrients
from food are absorbed here as well.
15. Large intestine – This organ absorbs water and vitamins from unabsorbed food and
prepares the remaining food material for elimination from the body.
16. Rectum – Part of the large intestines, which stores solid waste.
17. Anus – Solid waste is excreted, pushed out, through this opening.
18. Peristalsis – The waves or contractions of muscles that move food along the digestive
system.
19. Pancreas – This organ secretes chemicals that help to break down starches, proteins,
and fats in the small intestines.