Human Digestion Worksheet
The Digestive System and its Functions
Review the diagram located on p. 1. In the space provided below, write the name of each organ or part, and explain the function of each one as it relates to digestion and absorption. Explanations must be written as complete sentences. Please make sure that you identify each organ or part below with the corresponding number located in the diagram.
DIGESTIVE ANATOMY FUNCTION
1 Mouth The mouth chews food into smaller pieces preparing it for digestion. Once food hits the mouth the brain prepares the body for digestion procedures. It also initiated the swallowing procedures (Wardlaw, Smith (2009).
2 Salivary Gland The salivary gland produces saliva, which is used as a solvent, making the tongue taste food better. The saliva also contains enzymes that assist in the digestion of certain foods (Wardlaw, Smith (2009).
3 Pharynx The pharynx, also known as the throat, is the pathway for foods and liquids from the mouth to the esophagus (Britannica.com, (2010).
4 Esophagus The esophagus alerts the body that food is being consumed. This is where muscles contract and relax to swallow food.
5 Epiglottis The epiglottis is the tissue located near the pharynx that prevents food particles from entering your trachea, also known as the wind pipe (Wardlaw, Smith (2009). If food is able to enter your trachea a person would most likely choke. When the epiglottis is closed it ensures food travels down the esophagus.
6 Trachea The trachea is your wind pipe. As mentioned before the epiglottis prevents food from entering here.
7 Lower Esophageal Sphincter The lower esophageal sphincter closes once the food has passed. It also ensures that different stomach acids do not go back up into the esophagus.
8 Stomach The stomach on an average holds up to four cups of food (this can vary from person to person) (Wardlaw, Smith (2009). In these walls the food is prepared for the
References: Wardlaw, G. M., & Smith, A. M. (2009). The human body: a nutrition perspective. Retrieved March, 5 2010 from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/eReader.aspx#gloss01_060. Human digestive system. (2010). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 05, 2010, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1081754/human-digestive-system Duodenum. (2010). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved March 05, 2010, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/173894/duodenum