Human Anatomy and Physiology: Digestive System

Front

What does the digestive system consist of?

Back

The digestive system consists of the digestive tract and accessory organs.

Front

What is the digestive tract also known as?

Back

The digestive tract is also called the alimentary tract or alimentary canal.

Front

What is peristalsis?

Back

Peristalsis is the muscular contractions that propel material through most of the digestive tract.

Front

What is the function of mass movement in the digestive system?

Back

Mass movement refers to contractions that move material in the distal parts of the large intestines to the anus.

Front

What is ingestion?

Back

Ingestion is the intake of solid or liquid food into the stomach, typically through the oral cavity.

Front

What is mastication?

Back

Mastication is the process by which teeth chew food in the mouth, breaking it down to increase surface area for digestion.

Front

What is the total time it takes for food to travel the length of the digestive tract?

Back

The total time is usually about 24 to 36 hours.

Front

What is the role of secretion in the digestive system?

Back

Secretion lubricates, liquefies, buffers, and digests food, with mucus protecting the epithelial cells of the digestive tract.

Front

What is digestion?

Back

Digestion consists of mechanical digestion (mastication and mixing) and chemical digestion (by digestive enzymes).

Front

What is absorption in the context of the digestive system?

Back

Absorption is the movement of molecules out of the digestive tract and into the blood or lymphatic system.