Functions of Digestive Organs
This page details the specific functions of various organs in the digestive system, highlighting their roles in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
Mouth: The digestion process begins in the mouth, where salivary amylase function is crucial.
Definition: Salivary amylase is an enzyme in saliva that begins the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Highlight: Salivary amylase converts starch into simpler sugars, initiating the digestion of carbohydrates.
Esophagus: After chewing, the esophagus transports the partially digested food to the stomach.
Stomach: The stomach's muscular walls contract to further break down food. It also secretes hydrochloric acid, which not only aids in digestion but also kills harmful bacteria.
Example: The stomach's acidic environment is so potent that it can dissolve metal objects if accidentally swallowed.
Liver: The liver performs multiple functions, including processing absorbed nutrients and detoxifying the blood. It also produces bile, which is essential for fat digestion.
Highlight: The function of liver in digestive system extends beyond just digestion; it's also crucial for metabolism and detoxification.
Pancreas: This organ produces digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine.
Vocabulary: Pancreatic amylase function is similar to salivary amylase, but it operates in the small intestine to continue carbohydrate breakdown.
Small Intestine: The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs.
Example: The small intestine produces amylase, protease and which other enzyme? It also produces lipase, which breaks down fats.
