Digestive system PDF Notes HAP

Download Digestive system PDF Notes HAP free for Pharmacy students.

Functions of the Digestive System
 Ingestion – the oral cavity allows food to enter the digestive tract and have mastication (chewing) occurs , and the resulting food bolus is swallowed .
 Mechanical digestion – muscular movement of the digestive tract (mainly in the oral cavity and stomach) physically break down food into smaller particles .
 Chemical digestion – hydrolysis reactions aided by enzymes (mainly in the stomach and small intestine)
chemically break down food particles into nutrient molecules , small enough to be absorbed . .
 Secretion – enzymes and digestive fluids secreted by the digestive tract and its accessory organs facilitate
chemical digestion .
 Absorption – passage of the end – products (nutrients) of chemical digestion from the digestive tract into blood or
lymph for distribution to tissue cells .
 Elimination – undigested material will be released through the rectum and anus by defecation .