What is the primary function of the digestive system? — The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates undigested waste.
Where does digestion begin? — Digestion begins in the mouth.
What is the role of the teeth during digestion? — Teeth mechanically break food into smaller pieces through chewing.
What is the function of saliva? — Saliva moistens food and contains enzymes that begin the digestion of carbohydrates.
What is the function of the esophagus? — The esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach through peristalsis.
What is peristalsis? — Peristalsis is the series of wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.
What is the primary function of the stomach? — The stomach stores food, mixes it with digestive juices, and begins protein digestion.
Which organ produces bile? — The liver produces bile.
What is the function of bile? — Bile helps digest fats by breaking them into smaller droplets.
Where is bile stored before it is released? — The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile.
What is the primary function of the pancreas in digestion? — The pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine.
Which organ absorbs most nutrients from digested food? — The small intestine.
What structures increase the absorptive surface of the small intestine? — Villi and microvilli increase the surface area for nutrient absorption.
What is the primary function of the large intestine? — The large intestine absorbs water and forms feces.
What is the function of the rectum? — The rectum stores feces until elimination.
What is the function of the anus? — The anus controls the elimination of feces from the body.
What are accessory digestive organs? — Accessory digestive organs assist digestion but food does not pass through them.
Which organs are considered accessory digestive organs? — The salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Why is nutrient absorption important? — Nutrient absorption provides the body with energy and the materials needed for growth, repair, and normal body functions.
What is the overall goal of the digestive system? — To convert food into absorbable nutrients and eliminate indigestible waste from the body.
