Gross Structure of Digestive System and Functions of Component Parts

Gross Structure of Digestive System and Functions of Component Parts

Gross Structure of the Digestive System

  • The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract—also called the digestive tract—and the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

  • The gastrointestinal tract is a long, continuous tube that extends from the mouth to the anus.

  • It includes the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

  • The digestive system relies on several accessory organs to digest food. These include the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Functions of Component Parts

Mouth

  • The digestion process begins in the mouth when food is mixed with saliva.

  • Teeth are used to mechanically break down food, and salivary amylase in the saliva begins to chemically break down carbohydrates.

Pharynx and Oesophagus

  • The pharynx, or throat, accepts food from the mouth, which then travels down the oesophagus to the stomach via a process called peristalsis.

Stomach

  • The stomach receives food from the oesophagus and mixes it with gastric juices to create a mixture called chyme.

  • Protein digestion occurs here due to the action of the enzyme pepsin.

Small Intestine

  • The small intestine continues the digestion process, breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

  • The breakdown is accomplished through enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.

  • Nutrient absorption primarily takes place in the small intestine through structures called villi and microvilli.

Large Intestine

  • The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter.

  • It also serves to compact faeces to be removed through the rectum.

Liver and Gallbladder

  • The liver produces bile, which emulsifies fats, aiding in their digestion and absorption in the small intestine.

  • The gallbladder serves to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver.

Pancreas

  • The pancreas produces a variety of enzymes that help break down fat, proteins and carbohydrates.

  • Additionally, it produces alkaline juice which neutralises acidic chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach.

Understanding the gross structure of the digestive system and the functions of its component parts is fundamental in comprehending the overall process of digestion. This knowledge is vital in the field of Health and Social Care, especially when dealing with digestive disorders and their respective treatments.