Human Digestive System
The human digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into smaller molecules that
can be absorbed and utilized by the body.
1. Parts of the Digestive System
The digestive system consists of the alimentary canal (digestive tract) and accessory organs.
A. Alimentary Canal (Digestive Tract)
1. Mouth
o Digestion begins in the mouth.
o Food is chewed and mixed with saliva, which contains the enzyme amylase to
break down starch.
2. Esophagus
o A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
o Food moves down through peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions).
3. Stomach
o A muscular organ that secretes gastric juice containing:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl): Kills bacteria and creates an acidic
environment.
Pepsin: Enzyme that breaks down proteins into peptides.
o Food is turned into a semi-liquid mixture called chyme.
4. Small Intestine
o The main site of digestion and absorption.
o Divided into 3 parts:
Duodenum: Receives digestive enzymes and bile.
Jejunum: Absorbs nutrients.
Ileum: Further absorption of nutrients.
o Enzymes from the pancreas and intestinal glands complete digestion.
5. Large Intestine (Colon)
o Absorbs water and minerals.
o Undigested food is converted into feces.
6. Rectum and Anus
o The rectum stores feces until they are expelled through the anus.
B. Accessory Organs
1. Liver
o Produces bile, which helps digest fats.
o Stores nutrients and detoxifies harmful substances.
2. Pancreas
o Produces digestive enzymes:
Amylase: Breaks down starch.
Lipase: Breaks down fats.
Proteases (Trypsin & Peptidase): Break down proteins.
3. Gallbladder
o Stores and releases bile into the small intestine.
2. Digestion Process
Digestion occurs in five main steps:
1. Ingestion – Taking in food through the mouth.
2. Digestion – Breaking down food into smaller molecules:
o Mechanical Digestion: Physical breakdown (chewing, stomach churning).
o Chemical Digestion: Breakdown using enzymes.
3. Absorption – Nutrients enter the bloodstream through the small intestine.
4. Assimilation – Nutrients are used by body cells for energy, growth, and repair.
5. Egestion – Removal of undigested food as feces.
3. Steps of Digestion
1. Mastication (Chewing): Food is broken down into smaller pieces and mixed with saliva
in the mouth.
2. Swallowing: The chewed food (bolus) moves down the esophagus by peristalsis.
3. Stomach Digestion: Food is mixed with gastric juices to form chyme.
4. Small Intestine Digestion: Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver help break
down nutrients.
5. Absorption: Nutrients pass through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream.
6. Water Absorption: The large intestine absorbs water and minerals from undigested
food.
7. Elimination: Waste products are expelled as feces through the rectum and anus.
4. Enzymes in Digestion
Enzyme Source Acts On End Product
Amylase Salivary glands & Pancreas Starch Maltose
Maltase Small intestine Maltose Glucose
Pepsin Stomach Proteins Peptides
Trypsin Pancreas Proteins Peptides
Lipase Pancreas Fats Fatty acids & Glycerol
5. Importance of a Balanced Diet
For proper digestion, a diet must contain:
Carbohydrates (energy source)
Proteins (growth & repair)
Fats (energy storage)
Vitamins & Minerals (body functions)
Water & Fiber (digestion and waste removal)
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