Digestive System
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What is the function of the digestive system
To break down food into small soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream
What is ingestion
Taking food into the body through the mouth
What is egestion
Removal of undigested waste as faeces
What is absorption
Movement of small soluble molecules from the gut into the blood
What is mechanical digestion
Physical breakdown of food (chewing)
What is chemical digestion
Body using enzymes and acids to break down food into small soluble molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream (e.g amylase in saliva breaks down starch into sugar)
What is peristalsis
Muscle contractions that move food along the oesophagus
Which enzyme breaks down protein in the stomach
Protease(pepsin)
What does the stomach have a thick muscular wall
To churn food during mechanical digestion
Where does most digestion occur
Small intestine
Where does most absorption occur
Small intestine (ileum)
What is bile
An alkaline substance produced by the liver that emulsifies fats
What does emulsification mean
Breaking down large fat droplets into smaller droplets to increase surface area
Main function of the large intestine
Absorption of water
What happens if too much or too little water is absorbed into the large intestine
Too much-CONSTIPATION Too little-DIARRHOEA