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Class Notes The Human Digestive Sys

The human digestive system is essential for breaking down food into nutrients for energy, growth, and repair through mechanical and chemical processes. Key organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, each with specific functions in digestion and nutrient absorption. Maintaining digestive health is important for overall well-being and can be affected by common disorders such as acid reflux and IBS.

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4 views

Class Notes The Human Digestive Sys

The human digestive system is essential for breaking down food into nutrients for energy, growth, and repair through mechanical and chemical processes. Key organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, each with specific functions in digestion and nutrient absorption. Maintaining digestive health is important for overall well-being and can be affected by common disorders such as acid reflux and IBS.

Uploaded by

davidfeldman170
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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**Class Notes: The Human Digestive System**

**Definition:**
The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients, which
the body uses for energy, growth, and repair. It involves mechanical and chemical
processes.

**Main Organs and Their Functions:**


1. **Mouth**
- Chewing (mechanical digestion) breaks food into smaller pieces.
- Saliva contains enzymes that start breaking down carbohydrates.

2. **Esophagus**
- Transports food from the mouth to the stomach via peristalsis (wave-like
muscle contractions).

3. **Stomach**
- Produces gastric juices (including hydrochloric acid and enzymes) to digest
proteins.
- Churns food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.

4. **Small Intestine**
- The main site of nutrient absorption.
- Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver aid digestion.

5. **Large Intestine**
- Absorbs water and minerals.
- Stores and eliminates waste as feces.

6. **Liver, Pancreas, and Gallbladder**


- **Liver:** Produces bile to break down fats.
- **Pancreas:** Produces digestive enzymes and regulates blood sugar.
- **Gallbladder:** Stores and releases bile.

**Stages of Digestion:**
1. **Ingestion:** Eating food.
2. **Digestion:** Breaking down food into simpler molecules.
3. **Absorption:** Nutrients enter the bloodstream.
4. **Elimination:** Removal of indigestible substances and waste.

**Importance of the Digestive System:**


- Provides essential nutrients for bodily functions.
- Supports energy production and cell repair.
- Maintains gut health and immunity.

**Common Digestive Disorders:**


- Acid reflux (heartburn)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- Constipation and diarrhea

**Summary:**
The human digestive system plays a crucial role in converting food into energy and
nutrients. A healthy diet and hydration support efficient digestion and overall
well-being.

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