The Digestive System

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  • Digestive System
    • Digestion is the process in which large molecules are hydrolysed by enzymes into small molecules which can be absorbed or assimilated.
    • Absorption
      • The taking in of food molecules.
    • Assimilation
      • The conversion of absorbed food into the substances of the body.
    • Parts of the digestive system
      • Oesophagus: Adapted for transport. Carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Thick muscular wall.
      • Stomach: Muscular sack with inner layer that produces enzymes. Glands that produce enzymes and digest proteins. Mucus is produced to stop the stomach being digested.
      • Small intestine: Food is further digested by enzymes. Inner walls folded into the villi, which gives it a large surface area.
      • Large Intestine: Absorbs water. Food becomes drier and thicker. Faeces is formed.
      • Rectum: Faeces stored here before being removed by the anus in a process called Egestion.
      • Salivary Glands: Contains Amylase which breaks down starch into maltose.
      • Pancreas: Produces pancreatic juice which contains proteases to digest proteins, lipase to digest lipids and amylase to digest starch.

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