Digestive Organs
This organ is where digestion begins using chewing and saliva.
The mouth.
The process of breaking food into smaller pieces physically.
Mechanical digestion.
The main nutrient that provides quick energy
Carbohydrates.
This organ produces bile to help digest fats.
The liver.
A condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
GERD (acid reflux)
This muscular tube moves food from the mouth to the stomach.
The esophagus.
The process of breaking food down using enzymes and chemicals.
Chemical Digestion.
Nutrients that help build and repair body tissues.
Protein.
This organ stores bile.
The gallbladder.
Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of this enzyme.
Lactase.
This organ churns food and mixes it with acid.
The stomach.
This enzyme in saliva begins starch digestion.
Amylase.
These finger-like projections increase surface area for absorption.
Villi.
This organ releases digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
The pancreas.
This condition causes inflammation of the appendix.
Appendicitis
This long, coiled organ is where most nutrient absorption occurs.
The small intestines.
This enzyme breaks proteins into amino acids.
Protease (pepsin).
This nutrient is absorbed and used for long-term energy storage.
Lipids (fats).
This substance emulsifies fats.
Bile.
The wave-like muscle contractions that move food along the GI tract.
Peristalsis.
This organ absorbs water and forms solid waste.
The large intestines (the colon).
These molecules speed up chemical reactions in digestion.
Enzymes.
This vitamin is produced by bacteria in the large intestine.
Vitamin K.
This accessory organ helps regulate blood sugar and digestion.
The pancreas.
The average time it takes food to pass through the digestive system.
24-72 hours