Digestive

= =   

__Introduction:__ The Digestive System, like all other systems in the body, is very important. It is sometimes hard to understand because it is by no means simple. On this page we hope to simplify the functions of the Digestive System and map digestion as it occurs in the body. We will touch on how it interacts with other systems and how it helps maintain homeostasis in YOUR body.

__Function of the Digestive System__ The digestive system breaks down food to take nutrients from the things you eat to give them to the body so it may function. It also eliminates what cannot be digested!

1) The process starts in the mouth- it breaks the food down by chewing and it uses the saliva to help it break down. After ingestion the first step that automatically begins is mechanical digestion. Mechanical digestion is all about breaking down your food (ex. by teeth) into smaller pieces to get ready for chemical digestion. Chemical digestion is next and it begins with saliva, which contains enzymes to break it down even further. 2) Food goes down to your stomach- The food goes down your esophagus and into your stomach. The esophagus is a long tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. (it uses the contractions muscles called peristalsis to help push the food down to your stomach, that muscle allows us to eat or drink upside down.) 3) The stomach comes next and the stomach is a pouch like organ. 4) After the stomach the food goes to through the small intestine. Enzymes contribute to the digestive system through amaylase that breaks down carbohydrates in saliva and pepsin which is released in the stomach to break down food. The enzymes in the small intestine are lactase (breaks down milk sugars), DPP IV (breaks down milk protein and other protein bonds), and dissacharrides (breaks down some starches and sugars). The most important enzymes (for chemical digestion) that help you digest are; -Nuclease -Protease -Collagenase -Lipase -Amylase -Elastase -Trypsin -Chymotrypsin The small intestine breaks the food down. ​The small intestine is responsible for the actually breaking down digestion and breaking down the food. The small intestines has three sections - the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum. All organs contribute into the whole digestion process, your body cannot digest completely without and one organ! 5) After passing the small intestine it goes down to your large intestine. In the large intestine it bascally separates the food and keeps all the nutrients of it The large intestine reabsorbs water and maintains fluid balance of the body, absorbs vitamins, processes undigested material (fibre), and it stores waste before it is eliminated. Your large intestine is about 5 feet long and your small intestine is about 20 feet long! 6) The end of the digestive process is when the solid waste is stored in the rectum it is later excreted via the anus. it is important what enters the mouth to give/spread nutirients throughout your body. the Digestive system is extremely important. [|A hi-Tech video of someone digesting bread]
 * __Process of Digestion__**

The Liver, Gall Bladder and Pancreas are important to digestion. They produce or store certain things that are necessary for digestion to take place.

**//__[|Picture]__ //** 

__Connection with two other systems__ make sure to hyperlink the pages

__How does your body maintain homeostasis?__** Your body helps maintain homeostasis by breaking down the food we eat. Did you know that the digestive system guards the body from harmful bacteria (think about how acidic the gastric juices are)? It also plays important role in maintaining the pH balance.

__How does the endocrine system and digestive system work together?__ Generally, the endocrine system, designed to maintain homeostasis in the body, regulates and manages the digestive system with hormones. For example, food containing carbohydrates are changed into sugars during the process of digestion. The pancreas, acting as a part of the endocrine system, produces the hormone insulin, which basically regulates how much sugar is in the blood controlling the blood glucose level. In other words, the mixture of enzymes secreted by the pancreas helps to break down fats, protein, and carbohydrates.

[|Picture]