Digestive system
WHAT IS DIGESTION?
It is the process in which food is broken down into smaller molecules that the body can use to nourish the cells and to provide energy. Food undergoes two phases of digestion – the mechanical and the chemical phase.
MECHANICAL PHASE
Food is broken down into small pieces by the process of chewing or mastication. Food is also softened by the digestive juices such as saliva and gastric juice.
CHEMICAL PHASE
Food is acted upon by chemical substances called enzymes that are secreted together with the digestive juices.
ORGANS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
- Mouth
- Pharynx or throat
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Rectum
- Anus
Mouth – swallowing pushes the food into the pharynx. Pharnyx – is located at the back of the mouth. It is the common passageway for digestion and respiration. Esophagus – is a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. This process of transporting food though the esophagus is called peristalsis. Stomach – is the expanded organ located between the esophagus and small intestine. Small intestine – is considered as the organ of complete digestion and absorption. Large intestine – It is divided into three parts: ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon. Rectum – is located at the end of the sigmoid colon and serves as a warehouse for feces. Anus – functions as the exit point of fecal materials.
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