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What Is the Digestive System?
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YSHS Digestion
Parts of the digestive system
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The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. Food is chewed in the mouth.
Food travels into the pharynx (throat) and then the esophagus after being swallowed. The pharynx is the muscular flap that allows food and liquid to be swallowed. The esophagus prevents stomach contents from coming back up.
The stomach stores the food that you eat. It has three parts: the Cardia, Body (fundus), and Antrum.
The small Intestine overall absorbs nutrients before emptying into the large intestine. It consists of three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The latter of the two absorb fats and other key nutrients. Duodenum is the breaking down of food part.
The pancreas creates enzymes that breaks down protein, fat, and carbohydrates from the food you eat. It has 2 glandular tissues: Pancreatic acini and Islets of Langerhans. It produces three hormones: Insulin, Glucagon, and Somatostatin.
The liver has two major functions in the digestive system. One is to make and secrete bile and to clean the blood coming from the small intestine containing the nutrients just consumed.
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped reservoir that is under the liver and stores bile. While you eat, the gall bladder is contracting and sends bile to the small intestine.
The large Intestine (colon) is a 5 to 6 foot muscular tube that connects the cecum to the rectum. Waste leftover from the digestive process must go through the colon. It normally takes about 36 hours for waste to get through the colon
The rectum is an 8-inch chamber that connects the colon to the anus. The function of the rectum is to receive stool from the colon, let you know when you need to go to the bathroom, and then hold the stool in until you can go.
The anus consists of the pelvic floor muscles and two anal sphincters which are the internal and external muscles. The upper anus is there to detect rectal contents (liquid, gas, or solid.) The pelvic floor has created an angle between the rectum and the anus and its job is to stop you from going to the bathroom when you are not supposed to. This is where food waste exits the body in the form of poop.
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Home
What Is the Digestive System?
Parts
Function
Overall Result
Digestion & Health
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Ulcers, Heartburn & Bloating
Recipes and Tips for Healthy Digestion
Games
About
Feedback
Sources