Digestive System

What are the parts of this system?What is the job of each part??How does it interact with other

systems? How can I best care for it?

Parts of the Digestive system

TeethSalivary Glands

EsophagusStomach

LiverGallbladderPancreas

Small IntestineLarge Intestine (Colon)

RectumAnus

Function: Digestion

Breakdown of food into basic building blocks

(nutrients)

Mechanical: chewing & churningChemical: digestive juices

Mouth (carbohydrates) Stomach (proteins) Small Intestine (fats)

Mouth

• Teeth:

• Mechanical breakdown of foods

• Salivary Glands:

• Chemical breakdown of carbohydrates

(starches & sugars)

Stomach

Gastric Juices breakdown proteins:

1. Hydrochloric acid2. Pepsin (enzyme that digests

protein)

Smooth Muscles in walls churn food to make

Chyme: Creamy mixture of food and gastric juices

Liver

• Bile: Greenish fluid breaks down Fats1. made in Liver2. stored in Gallbladder

• Also changes toxins (poisons) into harmless substances.

• Examples of Body’s Toxins1. Poisonous Foods, Plants, Animals2. Alcohol & Drugs (including medicines

(ibuprofen…)

Pancreas

Produces:

1. Insulin - metabolizes sugars in the blood

2. Digestive Enzymes - for fats and proteins

Small Intestine 21-23 feet long…and…1 inch in

diameter• Villi: finger-like projections in

the walls of the small intestine

lined with capillaries

(smallest vessels in the circulatory system).

1. Major digestion of fats

2. All undigested food is broken down

3. Most nutrients absorbed

Nutrients

Proteins – build & repair tissues

Carbohydrates - energy

Fats - energy

Vitamins – support metabolism

Minerals – building blocks of cells

Digestive Processes

• Mechanical Breakdown: chewing & muscles

• Chemical Breakdown: enzymes & ‘juices’

• Peristalsis: Involuntary muscle contractions

that mix and move food through the digestive tract

Large Intestine5-6 feet long…and

…2-3 inches in diameter

• Last Chance!!

Final nutrients pass into the blood stream1. Water

2. Vitamins

3. Mineral Salts

Absorption & Elimination

Absorption: Nutrients pass into blood stream

Provide

1. Energy to power muscles

2. Substances to repair tissues

Elimination: Undigested food leaves body

Cellulose from vegetables & fruits

Diseases• Ulcers – sores• Diabetes I & II – blood sugar, pancreas• Hyperglycemia & Hypoglycemia• Itis = ‘inflammation of’

Appendicitis – appendix

Pancreatitis – pancreas

Ulcerative Colitis/ Chron’s Disease• Gallstones – mineral rocks in the Gall Bladder• Eating Disorders

Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia

Ulcers

Best Care• Diet with all Nutrients

1. Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats2. Vitamins & Minerals3. Fiber – fruits & vegetables

• Rest and DigestLow stress at mealtimes

• Exercise 1. Improves blood circulation2. Decreases stress3. Massages organs