Flowchart Science: The Human Body: The Digestive System

Product Information

Within the abdominal cavity, the esophagus enters the stomach. This is a dilated area of the alimentary canal that participates in both mechanical and chemical digestion. It is divided into four main parts, namely the: The digestive tract (or gastrointestinal tract) is a long twisting tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. It is made up of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food and other cells that produce enzymes and hormones to aid in the breakdown of food. Secretes insulin when sugar levels are high, secretes glucagon when sugar levels are low, secretes pancreatic juice (tripsinogen, chymotripsinogen, elastase, amilase etc.) into the duodenum where it digests the chyme Central to the pharynx’s floor is a prominent median elevation, which houses the glottis. The glottis is a longitudinal, slit-like aperture that plays a pivotal role in respiration. It provides a passage to the laryngo-tracheal chamber, ensuring the efficient exchange of gases. Besides the glottis, the roof of the pharynx features a broad eustachian aperture on each lateral side. These apertures connect to the middle ear, playing a role in auditory functions.

Detoxification: The liver is the body’s primary detoxification center. It eliminates various excretory materials, which are then excreted through feces. Additionally, it neutralizes hazardous substances like prussic acid, converting them to non-toxic compounds like potassium sulphocyanide. Also called the throat, the pharynx is the portion of the digestive tract that receives the food from your mouth. Branching off the pharynx is the esophagus, which carries food to the stomach, and the trachea or windpipe, which carries air to the lungs. Chyme: mix of broken-down food and digestive juices that leave the stomach and travel through the small intestine.Subsequently, the oesophagus, a narrow tube, transports the food from the pharynx to the stomach. The oesophagus’s primary function is to serve as a conduit, moving food efficiently to the next stage of digestion without any significant digestion occurring within it. Furthermore, the stomach’s mucous epithelium is a hub of activity. It houses multicellular gastric glands that are responsible for secreting the enzyme pepsinogen. In addition to these, there are unicellular oxyntic glands that produce hydrochloric acid, a vital component for digestion. As we move towards the pyloric end of the stomach, there is a noticeable constriction. This region is safeguarded by the pyloric valve, which serves as a gateway into the small intestine. This valve is not just a passive barrier; it is a dynamic circular ring-like sphincter muscle that meticulously regulates the flow of digested food from the stomach to the intestine.

The Digestion of food involves both mechanical and chemical processes as the food is broken down into smaller components. The swallowing reflex allows food from the mouth to be moved into the oesophagus. Here, waves of muscular contractions known as peristalsis move food down this thin-walled tube to a muscular bag known as the stomach. Excretion: The waste products, now in a semi-solid form, are passed into the rectum and are eventually expelled out of the body through the cloaca and vent.

The salivary glands in your mouth secrete saliva, which is rich in the digestive enzyme amylase. Salivary amylase breaks apart starches into two-chain sugars called maltose. This simple sugar will later be broken down further into single glucose molecules that can be used as cellular energy. Size and Shape: The buccal cavity of a frog is large, wide, and shallow, allowing it to accommodate and capture sizable prey. Internal Nostrils: Located at the front of the buccal cavity, near the vomerine teeth, are the internal nares or nostrils. These openings connect the nasal cavities to the buccal cavity and play a role in respiration. The force that propels food and drink through the esophagus is called peristalsis. The smooth muscles that line the esophagus undergo regular contractions after a bolus is swallowed. The wave-like movement created by peristalsis continues throughout the digestive tract. The motion pushes food through all phases of digestion, in the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The small intestine is a vital component of the digestive system, responsible for the absorption of nutrients and the continuation of the digestive process initiated in the stomach. Structurally, it is a long, coiled, and narrow tube, measuring approximately 30cm in length. The small intestine is anchored mid-dorsally to the body wall by mesenteries, ensuring its stability within the body cavity.