2.3.14

Human Digestive System

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Digestion

These are the roles of different parts of the digestive system during digestion:

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Mouth

  • Food and drink is taken into the body through the mouth.
  • The teeth break up food into small pieces.
  • Enzymes in the saliva (spit) start breaking down starch.
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Stomach

  • The stomach contracts to break down food particles into even smaller pieces.
  • Proteases start breaking down proteins in the stomach.
  • Stomach acid kills harmful microorganisms.
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Pancreas

  • The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine. These enzymes are;
    • Proteases
    • Carbohydrases
    • Lipases
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Small intestine

  • Absorption of food involves the movement of small food molecules through the wall of the small intestine into the blood.
  • The walls of the small intestine are covered in structures called villi which provide a large surface area for absorption.
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Large intestine

  • In the large intestine, water is absorbed through the walls of the large intestine into the blood.
  • After water has been absorbed through the large intestine, undigested food leaves the body as faeces (poo) through the anus.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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