HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (10 Pages
of Notes)
Page 1: Introduction to Digestion
What is Digestion?
Digestion is the process of breaking down large, insoluble food molecules into small, soluble
molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Why is Digestion Important?
The body needs nutrients for:
● Energy
● Growth
● Repair of tissues
● Maintaining health
Types of Digestion
Mechanical Digestion
Physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.
Examples:
● Chewing
● Churning in the stomach
Chemical Digestion
Breakdown of food by enzymes.
Page 2: The Human Digestive System
Main Organs
Digestive Tract
1. Mouth
2. Oesophagus
3. Stomach
4. Small Intestine
5. Large Intestine
6. Rectum
7. Anus
Accessory Organs
● Salivary glands
● Liver
● Gall bladder
● Pancreas
Page 3: The Mouth
Functions
Ingestion
Taking food into the body.
Mechanical Digestion
Teeth break food into smaller pieces.
Chemical Digestion
Saliva contains amylase.
Saliva
Functions:
● Moistens food
● Makes swallowing easier
● Begins starch digestion
Teeth
Type Func
ti
o
n
Inciso Cutti
rs n
g
Canin Teari
es n
g
Prem Crus
ol hi
ar n
s g
Molar Grind
s in
g
Page 4: Oesophagus and Peristalsis
Oesophagus
A muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach.
Peristalsis
Wave-like contractions of muscles that push food through the digestive tract.
Importance
● Moves food even when a person is upside down.
● Ensures food reaches the stomach.
Page 5: The Stomach
Structure
A muscular sac that stores food temporarily.
Functions
Mechanical Digestion
Muscles churn food.
Chemical Digestion
Protein digestion begins.
Gastric Juice Contains
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
● Kills bacteria
● Provides acidic conditions
Protease
● Digests proteins into smaller molecules
Page 6: The Small Intestine
Function
Main site of digestion and absorption.
Digestion
Receives:
● Bile from liver
● Pancreatic enzymes
● Intestinal enzymes
Absorption
Digested nutrients enter the bloodstream.
Adaptations
Long Length
Provides large surface area.
Thin Walls
Allows rapid absorption.
Rich Blood Supply
Transports nutrients efficiently.
Page 7: Villi
What are Villi?
Tiny finger-like projections lining the small intestine.
Adaptations
Large Surface Area
Increases absorption.
Thin Epithelium
Short diffusion distance.
Capillary Network
Quick transport of nutrients.
Nutrients Absorbed
● Glucose
● Amino acids
● Vitamins
● Minerals
Page 8: Liver, Gall Bladder and Pancreas
Liver
Produces bile.
Functions of Bile
● Neutralises stomach acid
● Emulsifies fats
Gall Bladder
Stores bile until needed.
Pancreas
Produces digestive enzymes:
Enz Function
y
m
e
Amyl Digests
a starch
s
e
Prot Digests
e proteins
a
s
e
Lipa Digests fats
s
e
Page 9: Large Intestine and Egestion
Large Intestine
Function:
● Absorbs water and mineral salts
Importance
Prevents excessive water loss.
Rectum
Stores faeces.
Anus
Controls the release of faeces.
Egestion
Removal of undigested food from the body.
Page 10: Enzymes and Summary
What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
Major Digestive Enzymes
Enz Subst Product
y rat
m e
e
Amyl Starch Maltose
a
s
e
Prot Protei Amino acids
e n
a
s
e
Lipa Fat Fatty acids +
s Glycerol
e
Characteristics of Enzymes
● Specific in action
● Work best at optimum temperature
● Can be denatured by high temperatures
Summary
Journey of Food
Mouth → Oesophagus → Stomach → Small Intestine → Large Intestine → Rectum → Anus
Functions of Key Organs
Organ Function
Mouth Chewing and saliva
secretion
Stomach Protein digestion
Small Digestion and absorption
Intestin
e
Liver Produces bile
Pancreas Produces enzymes
Large Absorbs water
Intestin
e
Key Facts
✓ Digestion breaks down food into soluble molecules.
✓ Enzymes speed up digestion.
✓ Villi increase absorption.
✓ Bile emulsifies fats.
✓ Most absorption occurs in the small intestine.
✓ Water is absorbed in the large intestine.
Common Exam Question
Why are villi important?
Answer:
● Large surface area
● Thin walls
● Good blood supply
These adaptations allow nutrients to be absorbed quickly and efficiently. 🍎🫁📚
●