Organ Systems
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 2.1.3
Organ Systems
Organ systems are groups of organs that work together to perform a particular role. The digestive system is an organ system made up of the following organs:
Glands
- Glands (e.g. pancreas and salivary glands), which produce digestive enzymes.
Stomach
- The stomach, which digests food.
Liver
- The liver, which produces bile.
Small intestine
- The small intestine, which digests food and absorbs soluble (can be dissolved) food molecules.
Large intestine
- The large intestine, which absorbs water molecules from the remaining undigested food. This allows it to produce faeces.
Test yourself on Organ Systems
Why is it important that the large intestine absorbs water from the remaining undigested food?
Why are the glands, stomach, liver, small intestine and large intestine described as parts of one organ system?
How does the role of the large intestine differ from the role of the small intestine in digestion?
What would most likely happen if the large intestine stopped absorbing water from undigested food?
Which statement correctly compares the roles of the stomach and the small intestine in digestion?