The Digestive System

Explore the digestive system! Match organs to jobs, understand digestion types, and learn how your body breaks down food.

Watch the Introduction Video to see how the digestive system works. Use the diagram above to help you match the statement in the second column that best matches the statement in the first column. Mouth Where digestion begins Large Intestine Undigested waste goes into here, where water is absorbed, and any extra solid waste is passed down Stomach Churns the food, adds juices , HCl and enzymes to break down food for easier absorption Teeth Breaks, grinds food into pieces Small Intestine Absorbs the food, sends nutrients throughout the body. Salivary Glands Produce juices, saliva, into the mouth Liver Produces bile, which helps to break down fats Villi Tiny, finger-like projections found in small intestine. Esophagus A long tube made up of smooth muscle which connects the mouth the stomach Peristalsis The action of smooth muscles contracting and squeezing food along the digestive system mouth esophagus liver large intestine stomach pancreas small intestine rectum Through the digestive system Watch as a small pill sized camera flows through the digestive tract. After watching the Pill Camera work its way through the digestive system what is something you found interesting? Remember to explain WHY you thought it was interesting. Chemical and Physical Digestion Where does Physical Digestion take place in the body? Why is this called "Physical Digestion? Where does Chemical Digestion take place? Why is it called "Chemical Digestion"? Making Connections When we get indigestion or "heart burn", we often take a TUMS tablet or Pepto Bismol. This medicine is considered a "basic chemical solution". What acid in the stomach is it neutralizing so we feel better?