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The Human Digestive System-class notes

The human digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste through a series of coordinated organs and structures. The process begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach and small intestine, where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur, aided by enzymes and bile. The large intestine then absorbs water and forms waste for elimination, highlighting the importance of digestive health for overall well-being.

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6 views

The Human Digestive System-class notes

The human digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste through a series of coordinated organs and structures. The process begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach and small intestine, where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur, aided by enzymes and bile. The large intestine then absorbs water and forms waste for elimination, highlighting the importance of digestive health for overall well-being.

Uploaded by

james6184098
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The human digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing

nutrients, and eliminating waste. It consists of a series of organs and structures


that work together to ensure the body receives the nutrients it needs to function.

The digestive process begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with
saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that start breaking down carbohydrates. The chewed
food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach.

In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices, which contain hydrochloric acid
and digestive enzymes. These acids help break down proteins and kill harmful
bacteria. The food is then transformed into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.

Next, the chyme moves into the small intestine, where the majority of digestion and
nutrient absorption occurs. The small intestine is lined with tiny finger-like
projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption. Enzymes
from the pancreas and bile from the liver further break down fats, carbohydrates,
and proteins. Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are absorbed
into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine.

Any undigested food passes into the large intestine, where water and electrolytes
are absorbed, and the remaining waste is formed into stool. Finally, the waste is
expelled through the rectum and anus.

The digestive system relies on coordinated muscle contractions (called peristalsis)


to move food through the organs. Hormones and enzymes regulate the digestion
process, ensuring that nutrients are properly absorbed and waste is efficiently
eliminated. The health of the digestive system is crucial for overall well-being,
and poor diet, stress, or certain medical conditions can disrupt its function.

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