The Digestive System The functions of the digestive system are:

Ingestion - eating food Digestion - breakdown of the food Absorption - extraction of nutrients from the food Defecation - removal of waste products

The digestive system also builds and replaces cells and tissues that are constantly dying. Digestive Organs The digestive system is a group of organs (Buccal cavity (mouth), pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, jejunum, ileum and colon) that breakdown the chemical components of food, with digestive juices, into tiny nutrients which can be absorbed to generate energy for the body. The Buccal Cavity Food enters the mouth and is chewed by the teeth, turned over and mixed with saliva by the tongue. The sensations of smell and taste from the food sets up reflexes which stimulate the salivary glands.

The Salivary glands These glands increase their output of secretions through three pairs of ducts into the oral cavity, and begin the process of digestion. Saliva lubricates the food enabling it to be swallowed and contains the enzyme ptyalin which serves to begin to break down starch. The Pharynx Situated at the back of the nose and oral cavity receives the softened food mass or bolus by the tongue pushing it against the palate which initiates the swallowing action. At the same time a small flap called the epiglottis moves over the trachea to prevent any food particles getting into the windpipe. From the pharynx onwards the alimentary canal is a simple tube starting with the salivary glands. The Oesophagus The oesophagus travels through the neck and thorax, behind the trachea and in front of the aorta. The food is moved by rhythmical muscular contractions known as peristalsis (wave-like motions) caused by contractions in longitudinal and circular bands of muscle. Antiperistalsis, where the contractions travel upwards, is the reflex action of vomiting and is usually aided by the contraction of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm. The Stomach The stomach lies below the diaphragm and to the left of the liver. It is the widest part of the alimentary canal and acts as a reservoir for the food where it may remain for

between 2 and 6 hours. Here the food is churned over and mixed with various hormones, enzymes including pepsinogen which begins the digestion of protein, hydrochloric acid, and other chemicals; all of which are also secreted further down the digestive tract. The stomach has an average capacity of 1 litre, varies in shape, and is capable of considerable distension. When expanding this sends stimuli to the hypothalamus which is the part of the brain and nervous system controlling hunger and the desire to eat. The wall of the stomach is impermeable to most substances, although does absorb some water, electrolytes, certain drugs, and alcohol. At regular intervals a circular muscle at the lower end of the stomach, the pylorus opens allowing small amounts of food, now known as chyme to enter the small intestine.