8th Grade Digestive System Workbook
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ScribdTranslations8th Grade Digestive System Workbook
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsSCIENCE WORKBOOK - 8TH GRADE
Class: Digestive System
Prof. Thiago Moura
Responsible for transforming the food we consume
in the energy that our body needs to carry out the
daily activities. Every day we ingest lipids
(fats), proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and salts
minerals, however, for these substances to be
absorbed by our body, they must first be
transformed into smaller and smaller particles for the
absorption. This system is formed by a unicotube, which
it undergoes modifications in its extent, varying from
functions. It consists of the following organs: mouth,
pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, intestine
gross, in addition to the liver, pancreas, and salivary glands.
Characteristics of the organs:
Mouth: formed by the teeth and the tongue, which prepare the
food for digestion, through chewing. The
teeth reduce food into small pieces,
mixing them with saliva. Saliva also has a function
antiseptic, that is, contains a high number of
defense cells that attack microorganisms. The tongue
it has 3 main functions:
move the food around inside the mouth.
sensitive (perceives flavors and textures).
produce the characteristic sounds of speech.
Pharynx: common part of the respiratory and digestive system. In this region are located two structures.
important: uvula and epiglottis. Both serve to close the air passages during swallowing.
of food, preventing solid or liquid particles from entering the respiratory tract. When this
It happens, the body has a defense mechanism: cough.
Esophagus: a muscular tube through which food travels to the stomach. Pierces the diaphragm muscle.
Starting from the esophagus, a series of involuntary muscle movements called peristaltic movements begins.
These movements push the food bolus always in the direction of 'mouth-anus'.
Stomach: widening of the esophagus, muscular pouch where the food bolus is stored.
acid. The acid helps in breaking down molecules into smaller ones to facilitate absorption in the intestine.
Depending on the food consumed, it can last a few hours (2 to 4) or even longer (16 to 24).
At this stage, the food mass is called "chyme". The stomach has two valves (one at the entrance,
another at the exit) that regulates the passage of the food bolus.
Small Intestine: after its stay in the stomach, the 'chyme' goes to the duodenum (first part of
small intestine). In this region, it receives pancreatic juice and bile produced in the liver, which
they serve to burn fats and break down larger molecules. At this stage, it is called 'chyme'.
This intestine can measure about 6 meters. Along its length, all the nutrients,
vitamins and energy extracts are taken from the food consumed and sent to the liver via
bloodstream. The absorption of these nutrients is the most time-consuming process.
Large Intestine: when reaching this intestine, the 'chyme' practically has nothing left that can be
utilized by the body. Only water and mineral salts are reabsorbed. The remainder forms the feces.
that accumulate until they cover their entire length and reach the end (last part of
large intestine), which ends at the valve called sphincter, or anus.
Glands of this system:
Liver: it is considered the 'laboratory of the body', where all nutrients, vitamins, and mineral salts are processed.
other energy sources are metabolized. In the liver, nutrients are analyzed and sent to
other parts and organs of the body according to needs. All of this, via the bloodstream. The
The liver also produces bile which is stored in the gallbladder. It is the only organ (gland) of
body that regenerates.
Pancreas: produces an important substance called insulin. It is thanks to it that sugar (glucose)
what we ingest is transformed into energy. The lack of insulin in the body causes sugar to go
accumulating in the arteries, which can lead to their blockage. This disease is known as
diabetes. It also produces pancreatic juice that aids in digestion.
Salivary glands: located around the mouth and neck, their function is to produce saliva that will assist in...
digestive process. All have a direct opening into the oral cavity. Saliva contains enzymes that
I digest starch right in my mouth.
Stages of the digestive process:
Even before we eat anything, the simple fact of imagining the food being ingested already
provokes a series of reactions throughout the body ("makes the mouth water"). When stimulated, the brain
sends orders to the stomach to produce more acid, and to the muscles to start the
peristaltic movements.
It consists of two stages:
Mechanics: the physical part that involves chewing and muscular movements.
Chemistry: metabolic part that involves the absorption of nutrients and the action of acids, enzymes and
substances mixed with food.