The Digestive SystemThe Digestive System

Your digestive systemYour digestive system

What is Digestion?◦Put it into words…

The mechanical and chemical breaking down of food into smaller parts so they can be absorbed into the body.

Your digestive systemYour digestive systemThe digestive system is a series

of organs and glands that break down food into it’s simplest forms for energy

The GI TractThe GI TractThe Gastrointestinal Tract

◦Is the muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, to the anus

◦

The Mouth The Mouth Mastication (chewing) occurs

Liquids added to food by the salivary glands◦Enzyme amylase breaks down starch

Epiglottitis closes off the pathway to the lungs

The EsophagusThe EsophagusUpper Esophageal Sphincter

Peristalsis takes over

Lower Esophageal Sphincter (entrance to the stomach)

Peristalsis Peristalsis Due to Smooth muscle

The StomachThe StomachStrongest muscle of the GI Tract

Adds liquids, enzymes and grinds food into a semi-liquid mass called chyme

Food exits through pyloric sphincter

The StomachThe StomachDegrades proteins using

Hydrochloric Acid and Pepsin

Has a protective lining which protects the body from gastric juices

The pH Scale

The LiverThe LiverCreates Bile which is key to emulsifying fat

◦Bile stored in the gallbladder

Stores glycogen (storage form of glucose)◦Has a role in regulating blood sugar

Stores most minerals and vitamins

Receives all nutrients that are taken in through digestion and packages them for other organs and cells

The Small IntestineThe Small IntestineMade up of the Duodenum,

Jejunum and the Ileum

Bile reaches the chyme from the gall bladder and pancreas

Majority of nutrient absorption occurs here

The small intestine The small intestine

Covered with villi to increase surface area which allows maximum absorption to occur

Pancreas Pancreas Part of your Endocrine system

Secretes enzymes which help further break down energy nutrients

Releases bicarbonate which neutralizes the acidic chyme arriving from the stomach

Large IntestineLarge IntestineAnything that makes it through to

the small intestines

Water and other fluids are absorbed as well as some nutrients

Some fiber is broken down and absorbed by bacteria living here, the rest leaves the body

Common Digestive Common Digestive ProblemsProblemsChoking Acid RefluxUlcersDiarrheaVomitingIrritable Bowel Syndrome

Acid reflux a.k.a. HeartburnThe lower esophgeal sphincter

allows stomach acids into the esophagus

Causes◦Eating/drinking too much◦Tight clothing◦Being overweight◦Change in body position

UlcersWeakening in the lining of the

stomach or intestines

Leads to internal bleeding, very painfulPossibly stomach cancer

Causes◦ Bacterial infection◦ Anti-inflammatory drugs◦ Excessive gastric acid secretion

Other factors affect digestionSleep

◦Repair and maintenancePhysical Activity

◦Improves muscle tone and functionMental State

◦Affects the nerves and hormones during healthy digestion

Variety of foods in one’s diet

A Summary of DigestionA Summary of Digestionhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7jKCfx-0

Mo