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digestive system

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

The digestive system is a group of organs that work together to break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. The digestive system is a long tube that runs from the mouth to the anus.

The mouth starts the process by chewing food into smaller pieces. The stomach then mixes the food with digestive juices, which help to break down the food even further.

The small intestine is where most of the digestion takes place. The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny villi, which are finger-like projections that help to absorb the nutrients from the food.

The large intestine absorbs the remaining water from the food and then eliminates the waste products.

The digestive system is a complex system that works together to break down food and absorb nutrients. This process is essential for the body to get the energy and nutrients it needs to function properly.

How can the word be used?

The digestive system also includes a number of accessory organs, such as the salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.

digestive system

Different forms of the word

Noun: digestive system.

Adjective: digestive.

Verb: digest.

Adverb: digestively.

Synonym: gastrointestinal system.

Antonym: non-digestive system.

Etymology

The word "digestive system" comes from the Latin word digestivus, which means "to break down" or "to assimilate". It is made up of the two Latin words di (apart) and gerere (to carry).

Question

Explain how the digestive system works.

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the main components and functions of the human digestive system. Describe the journey of food through the digestive tract and the role of specific organs in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

Answer:

  • The human digestive system is a complex network of organs that work together to break down food, extract nutrients, and eliminate waste. It consists of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The process begins in the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva containing enzymes that initiate chemical digestion.
  • The chewed food then travels down the oesophagus into the stomach, where it is further broken down by gastric juices, forming a semi-liquid mixture called chyme. The chyme then moves into the small intestine, where the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs. The small intestine is lined with tiny finger-like structures called villi, which increase the surface area for nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.
  • The remaining undigested and unabsorbed substances move into the large intestine, where water and minerals are absorbed, and waste is formed into faeces. Finally, the indigestible waste is expelled through the anus.
  • Throughout this intricate process, the digestive system plays a vital role in extracting essential nutrients from the food we consume, which are then distributed throughout the body to support growth, repair, and energy production.