Digestive System

the body system consisting of organs that help the body use food.

Functions Breaks down food into small parts

mechanical (physical) & chemical (acids & enzymes) digestion.

release food into blood stream for distribution (via the villi in the small intestine)

prepare undigested food for elimination

Peristalsis – muscular contractions that move food throughout digestive tract

Structure mouth – place where digestion begins; food is

chewed using teeth and tongue (mastication) made softer/smaller with the help of saliva from the salivary glands

esophagus – tube leading from the mouth to the stomach

stomach – organ where food is made into a paste called chyme with the help of these enzyme and acid (releases pepsin and hydrochloric acid)

Structure (cont.)

gall bladder › organ that produces and stores bile, which is a

yellow-brown digestive liquid. › After leaving the gallbladder, bile goes to the small

intestine.

liver › organ that releases bile in order to break down fats

pancreas › organ that aids small intestine in digestion of

sugars, carbs, proteins & fats› It is both an exocrine and endocrine gland

Structure (cont.)

small intestines › 20 foot coiled tube where absorption of food

into blood takes place› fingerlike projections called “villi” help in the

process of absorption (capillaries)› Duodenum-segment that breaks down food

large intestine › extends below small intestine› undigested food is prepared for elimination

from the body.

Diseases/Disorders

Colon Cancer › cancer of the large intestine› more common in people over 50

Colonoscopy › procedure recommended for people over

the age of 50› checks for polups in the colon which may

be early signs of cancer

Diseases/Disorders (cont.) Hepatitis – viral infection of the liver

(inflammation)

Diabetes › Type 1 – Insulin deficiency/develops in

childhood› Type 2 – Insulin resistant/develops in later

adulthood as a result of poor diet› Gestational – a woman may develop this

during pregnancy by putting too much weight.

Sudden Illness and Care

Appendicitis › inflammation and swelling of the appendix – should

it burst, may become life threatening. › Signs are sharp/acute pain in the lower right side of

the abdomen – extremely painfully to the touch. You must go immediately to the hospital.

Dehydration › the sudden loss of fluids from the body due to

excessive exercise, heat or illness. › Signs: thirst, loss of appetite, dry skin (no sweat),

dark urine, dry mouth(no saliva), fatigue, and chills. Potentially Fatal.

Sudden Illness and Care (cont.)

Gastric Bypass Surgery › stomach stapling› stomach is surgically made smaller in

order to control weight gain.

General Care (cont.)

chew food carefully and slowly cook food thoroughly eat plenty of fiber (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains) drink enough water (8 cups every day) reduce amounts of saturated fat and

sugar in diet exercise – burn off excess calories and

fat

Working together…

Excretory System – eliminates solid waste from digestive system.