The Digestive System

Digestion process of making

food usable by breaking it down using enzymes

Enzymes

proteins made by the body that make specific reactions occur at a faster rate

The Mouth

Teeth break the food down mechanically

Saliva helps break down the food chemically

Tongue pushes food around and towards back of throat for swallowing

Esophagus & Epiglottis Esophagus

Stretchy pipe that leads from the back of the throat to the stomach

Epiglottis flap that covers

the windpipe to avoid food going into your lungs

4-layer Basic Plan in the Wall of the Alimentary Canal Alimentary Canal =

Digestive Tract

Peristalsis Peristalsis is a distinctive pattern of

smooth muscle contractions that propels foodstuffs distally through the esophagus and intestines

The Stomach Stretchy sack that

is shaped like a “J” Has strong

muscles and hydrochloric acid that break down the food and pepsin that b/d proteins into amino acids

Microscopic Anatomy of the Stomach

The Small Intestine

Small intestine about 22’ long Enzymes- bile from the liver

concentrates fats and from the pancreas, trypsin continues to b/d proteins, amylase b/d carbohydrates and lipase b/d fats

nutrients diffuse from small intestine to blood

Anatomy of the Small Intestine

Regions of the Small Intestine

Liver, Gall Bladder, & Pancreas Liver

makes bile 1st place that nutrients go from small intestine

so harmful substances can be filtered out Gall bladder

holds bile Pancreas

makes enzymes to help digest fats and protein

Gross Anatomy of the Pancreas

The End of the Tract Large Intestine

About 5’ long, absorbs salts, vitamins, water and minerals

unused parts of food move through to be excreted from the body

Appendix no purpose

Rectum solid waste stays here until you have a bowel

movement Anus

opening that solid waste is pushed through

THE FINAL END OF THE TRACT