Transcript The Digestive System - A Journey Through Your Body (Week 5)

Transcript: The digestive system- A journey through your body (Week 5)
1. The digestive system

Did you know that your body has a remarkable system that processes the food you eat? It's
called the digestive system, and it's made up of several key organs. Let's explore them together.
The mouth serves as the entry point of the digestive system and performs both mechanical and
chemical digestion. Mechanically, the teeth stay and grind the food into smaller pieces,
increasing its surface area for further breakdown. The tongue hops manipulate the food and
assist in the process of swallowing. Additionally, the saliva produced by the salivary glands in
the mouth contain enzymes such as amylase, which initiate the chemical digestion of
carbohydrates. The oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Its
primary role is to transport the chewed food now called a bolus from the mouth to the stomach.
Through a series of coordinated muscular contractions called peristalsis. The food is propelled
downward along the digestive tract. The stomach is a muscular organ located in the upper
abdomen. Its main functions include storage and mixing and partial breakdown of food. The
stomach receives a food bolus from the esophagus and churns it with powerful muscular
contractions. These contractions combined with the secretion of gastric juices and hydrochloric
acid, break down proteins and aid in the sterilization of the ingested food killing harmful bacteria.
2. Digestive Processes in the Small Intestine

The stomach also releases enzymes such as pepsin which initiate the digestion of proteins. As
the food is mixed and broken down it gradually transforms interestingly liquid substance called
chyme, which is then released into the small intestine for further digestion. This morning intestine
is a lengthy tube located between the stomach and the large intestine. It is the primary site of
nutrient absorption and digestion. It is lined with tiny finger like projections called villi, which
greatly increase the surface area of nutrient absorption.
-1-
The small intestine receives the carbon from the stomach and mixes it with digestive enzymes
from the pancreas and bile from the liver. These enzymes break down proteins, carbohydrates
and fats into smaller molecules. The small intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients
such as amino acids, glucose, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, which are then transported into
the bloodstream to be used by the body. The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the
stomach. It secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine. The pancreatic
enzymes such as pancreatic amylase, lipase and proteases, further break down carbohydrates,
fats and proteins.
The liver is a large reddish-brown organ located in the upper right abdomen. One of its primary
roles in digestion is the production and secretion of bile. Bile is a greenish fluid that helps in the
emulsification and digestion of fats. Bile breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets,
increasing the surface area for efficient digestion by pancreatic lipases. The liver also detoxifies
various substances stores vitamins and minerals and synthesizes proteins that are important for
blood clotting and immune function. The colon also known as the large intestine is the final
segment of the digestive system and serves
3. The Function of the colon

several important functions. One of the main functions of the colon is to absorb water from the
intake indigestible food material that enters it from the small intestine. As the current passes
through the colon, water is reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This process helps to concentrate
and solidify the waste reduce material transforming it into faeces. By efficiently extracting water
the colon helps maintain the body's overall fluid balance. Without dysfunction. excessive water
loss through faeces would lead to dehydration. Along with water the colon also absorbs
electrolytes from the calm electrolytes such as sodium potassium and chloride are essential for
maintaining proper fluid balance and overall body function. The absorption of the electrolytes
into the colon helps regulate the body's electrolyte levels and contributes to maintaining overall
homeostasis. The colon plays a crucial role in the formation of faeces. As the chyme moves
through the colon on it undergoes further processing. The muscles of the colon help in mixing
and preparing the waste material aiding in the process of fecal formation.
-2-
The colon is host to a vast diverse population of beneficial bacteria known as the gut microbiota.
These bacteria play a pivotal role in the digestion of certain dietary fibers and the fermentation
of undigested carbohydrates. As a result of fermentation gut microbiota produces short chain
fatty acids and certain vitamins. The final function of the colon is the elimination of faeces from
the body. The muscles of the rectum and the voluntary control over the external and anal
sphincter allow for the controlled release of faeces through the anus. the digestive system is a
complex network of organs that work together to process food and extract nutrients. From the
mouth to the colon on each organ has a unique role in ensuring proper digestion absorption and
elimination. So next time you eat remember the incredible journey your food takes through your
body's digestive system.
-3-

Transcript The Digestive System - A Journey Through Your Body (Week 5)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transcript The Digestive System - A Journey Through Your Body (Week 5)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transcript The Digestive System - A Journey Through Your Body (Week 5)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Transcript: The digestive system- A journey through your body (Week 5)

1. The digestive system

2. Digestive Processes in the Small Intestine

3. The Function of the colon

You might also like