Completion of Digestion and Waste Elimination

This page focuses on the final stages of digestion and the elimination of waste from the body.

Small Intestine: The products of digestion are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. This is where the majority of nutrient absorption takes place.

Highlight: The small intestine has a large surface area due to its length and the presence of villi and microvilli, which maximizes nutrient absorption.

Large Intestine: Also known as the colon, the large intestine's primary function is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter.

Definition: Large intestine function involves water absorption, formation of feces, and hosting beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion.

Example: Large intestine absorption of water helps to concentrate waste and form solid feces.

Rectum: The rectum stores feces until it's time for elimination.

Vocabulary: The rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine before the anus.

Anus: This is the opening at the end of the digestive tract through which feces are expelled from the body.

Highlight: The process of eliminating feces, known as defecation, is controlled by both voluntary and involuntary muscles in the anus.

Understanding the large intestine function in digestive system is crucial for overall digestive health. Any issues with water absorption or motility in this organ can lead to various digestive problems.

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.