Unit 15

Digestive System
Table of Contents

Table of Contents 1

Introduction 3

Essential Questions 4

Review 4

Lesson 15.1: Organs of the Digestive System 5

Objectives 5
Warm-Up 5
Learn about It 6
Key Points 13
Web Links 13
Check Your Understanding 14
Challenge Yourself 15

Lesson 15.2: Digestion of Food 16

Objectives 16
Warm-Up 16
Learn about It 17
Key Points 22
Web Links 23
Check Your Understanding 23
Challenge Yourself 24

Lesson 15.3: Interaction of the Digestive System with Other Body Systems 25
Objectives 25
Warm-Up 25
Learn about It 26
Key Points 29

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 Web Links 29
Check Your Understanding 30
Challenge Yourself 31

Lesson 15.4: Diseases of the Digestive System 32

Objectives 32
Warm-Up 32
Learn about It 33
Key Points 36
Web Links 37
Check Your Understanding 37
Challenge Yourself 38

Lesson 15:5: Taking Care of Our Digestive System 39

Objectives 39
Warm-Up 39
Learn about It 40
Key Points 42
Web Links 43
Check Your Understanding 43
Challenge Yourself 44

Laboratory Activity 45

Performance Task 47

Self Check 49

Key Words 49

Wrap Up 50

References 51

Photo Credits 51

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GRADE 8 | SCIENCE

Unit 15
Digestive System

The human body is composed of several organs which perform functions that keep
an individual alive and active. An organ system of great importance in maintaining
bodily functions is the digestive system. In this unit, students will be able to identify
the different organs which make up the digestive system as well as their
corresponding functions. It will also help them understand the interactions and
processes happening within the digestive system and in connection to other body
systems. Complications that occur within the digestive system, as well as some
methods of prevention and treatment will also be tackled.

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 Essential Questions

At the end of this unit, you should be able to answer the following questions.
● What are the functions of the digestive system?
● What are the components of the digestive system and their functions?
● How does digestion occur?
● What diseases affect the digestive system?
● What are the proper ways of taking care of the digestive system?

Review

● A collection of organs with different functions but have the same goal or
general process is called a body system.
● Each organ of the body has specific tasks and are responsible for the
different processes performed by the system.
● These organs also have specific tissues that will serve to help the organ
perform a more general function.
● Multiple tissues and cell types can be found in organs. Even though these
have different functions, all these functions contribute to the goal of each
organ.
● The proper relationship between different body systems is necessary for
proper bodily function.

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 Lesson 15.1: Organs of the Digestive
System

Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to:
● give the functions of the different organs of the digestive system;
and
● identify the role of these organs in digestion.

Did you take your breakfast? How about lunch? What kinds of food have you eaten
today? It is the digestive system which processes the food we eat. But have you
ever wondered through which organs food passes through for it to be utilized
by the body?

Warm-Up

A Simple Digestive Model

Materials:
● 4 colors of yarn
● small solid object (like chalk)
● cotton

Procedure:
1. Cut the different colors of yarn according to the measurements below. Tie
the end of color 1 to color 2, color 2 to color 3, and color 3 to color 4.
a. Color 1 (esophagus): 25 cm
b. Color 2 (stomach): 20 cm
c. Color 3 (small intestine): 700 cm
d. Color 4 (large intestine): 150 cm.
2. To illustrate the functions of each, beginning with the esophagus, do the
following to trace the path of food:
a. Esophagus: move the yarn in a wavelike motion, while moving a small

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 solid object downwards with the wavelike motion.
b. Stomach: replace chalk with cotton, and trace the path of food further
down.
c. Small Intestines: tear up the cotton until you reach the large intestine.
d. Large Intestine: clump up the cotton that you tore.

Guide Questions:
1. What do you think the wavelike motion is for?
2. What does the switch from a small solid object to cotton represent?
3. What does tearing up cotton represent?

Learn about It

Our body is being run and kept alive

by different body systems working
together. To do so, our body needs
an energy source. For the body to
get energy, food must be broken
down into small molecules through
digestion. The group of organs
performing this role is the digestive
system. This system is a long tube
which starts from the mouth, runs
down the body, and ends in the
anus. The digestive system consists
of three main parts: the mouth; the
gastrointestinal tract; and the
accessory organs.

The Mouth
The digestive system starts from the mouth. It has two main parts, the vestibule,
and the oral cavity. The vestibule is the space which is contained externally by the
lips and cheeks, and internally by gums and teeth. The palate, tongue, and teeth
constitute the oral cavity.

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 Fig. 2. The mouth and its component parts

Lips
Food is held and kept in place by the lips and cheeks. The lips are susceptible to
temperature and texture of the food. This is because of the presence of sensory
receptors. A sensory receptor is a nerve ending that senses changes in light,
temperature, pressure, and other stimuli.

Palate
The palate is the oral cavity’s upper boundary. Towards the front of the palate is
the hard palate and to the back is the soft palate. The structure that dangles from
the posterior area of the soft palate is known as the uvula. The palate separates
the inner space of the nose and the oral cavity.

Tongue
The muscular organ connected to
the bottom of the oral cavity is the
tongue. It is responsible for
tasting, mixing, and swallowing
food. The upper surface of the
tongue contains tiny bumps called
papillae. The papillae are
responsible for the rough surface
of the tongue. They also contain
taste buds which sense different
tastes.

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Teeth
Another component of the
mouth is the teeth which
physically break food. A
complete permanent set
of teeth numbers is 32.
Their shapes differ, and
these shapes define their
function. The four
different types of teeth are
incisors, canines,
premolars, and molars.
Incisors are found at the
front portion of the
mouth. They have sharp
ends to cut food into
smaller pieces easily.
Canines are located
immediately after the
incisors. They are also
sharp, and pointed teeth
meant for tearing food.
Premolars have a flat
surface. These teeth are
responsible for tearing
and crushing. These teeth
grow as permanent teeth. Molars are the largest teeth, and they also have flat
surfaces. They are meant for chewing, grinding, and crushing.

Pharynx
The organ which connects the mouth to the esophagus is the pharynx. The upper
portion, also known as the nasopharynx, serves as a passage of air. Its middle
section is also known as the oropharynx, while the lowest section is the
laryngopharynx. Both oropharynx and laryngopharynx allow the passage of food
and air.

Epiglottis

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The epiglottis is found in the throat, behind the tongue. This structure is primarily
made up of cartilage and serves to prevent the entry of food and water into the
respiratory tract. When a person swallows water or food, the epiglottis closes so
that these materials go into the esophagus instead of the trachea.

Fig. 5. Anatomy of the pharynx

The Gastrointestinal Tract

Esophagus
The portion that follows the mouth is
the gastrointestinal tract. The long
muscular tube where food travels from
the mouth to the stomach is called the
esophagus. It is about 10 inches long
and 2 inches thick. The upper portion
of the esophagus is kept closed by its
sphincter. A sphincter is a muscle
which contracts to close an opening.
The sphincter on the upper part of the
esophagus opens only during the act of
swallowing to give way for traveling
food. Another sphincter at the bottom

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allows the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach.
Stomach
Connected to the end of the esophagus is the stomach. The stomach is a hollow,
curved, and enlarged organ located at the back of the diaphragm, and on the left
side of the abdomen. It serves as an area for food storage and food breakdown.
This organ produces different substances (acids, mucus, and enzymes) which help
in digestion and kill the bacteria in food. The inner walls of the stomach have folds
known as rugae. These folds allow the stomach to stretch in order to store large
meals. They also help in storing food during digestion.

Fig. 7. Sections of the stomach and the rugae.

The stomach has three sections: the cardia, the fundus, and the pylorus. The
beginning of the cardia, after the esophagus, is the cardiac sphincter. The end of
the pylorus is the pyloric sphincter. These sphincters serve to prevent the
backflow of food.

Small Intestine
Leading from the pyloric sphincter of the
stomach is the small intestine. The small
intestine is a 20 feet-long tube where the
process of digestion ends. It is twice as
long as the large intestine but is only 1
inch thick. The small intestine is visibly
wrinkled which increases the surface area
of the organ to accommodate more food.
It has three main parts: duodenum;
jejunum; and ileum. The duodenum is
the shortest and widest part of the small

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intestine. This where chyme mixes with the substances secreted by the liver and
pancreas. Chyme is partially digested food entering the intestine coming from the
stomach. The middle part, jejunum, is the site of nutrient absorption. Nutrients are
further absorbed in the ileum. It also secretes digestive enzymes necessary for
digestion.

Large Intestine
The final organ of the gastrointestinal
tract is the large intestine. It has a
diameter twice that of the small intestine
but is only around 3 feet long. It wraps
the small intestine, filling the abdominal
body cavity. This is the region where
vitamins and water are absorbed. The
large intestine is also responsible for
converting the chyme into feces. The
portion where feces is transported to be
stored before being eliminated from the
body is called the colon. Carbon dioxide
and methane are produced in this
region. The release of these gases leads
to flatulence.

Rectum
The last portion of the large intestine which connects the colon to the anus is the
rectum. It is also a hollow tube which is around 8 inches long and 2 inches thick.
Feces produced in the colon is stored in the rectum before defecation. Defecation
is the process of eliminating feces from the body. The walls of the rectum absorb
the remaining water from the feces.

Anus
The last portion of the gastrointestinal tract is the anus. It is a very short tube which
serves as the opening for the feces. It also has folds known as anal columns. These
columns help the anus in controlling the disposal of feces.

Accessory Organs
There are also other organs that help with digestion even if they are not part of the
gastrointestinal tract. Still, they are considered components of the digestive system.

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These are called accessory organs. These organs include the salivary glands, liver,
pancreas, and gallbladder.
Salivary Glands
The role of salivary glands is to secrete saliva into the oral cavity. Saliva mixes
with food upon entering the mouth. Its substances clean the teeth and lubricate the
food to make swallowing easier. It also has enzymes which dissolve molecules for
tasting. Digestion of starch, a prominent sugar in most crops, also begins with the
action of the saliva. There are three types of salivary glands. The parotid glands
produce saliva and are found anterior to the ears. The submandibular gland is
found in the submandibular fossa, which is a depression under the mandible. The
sublingual glands are located under the tongue, on the floor of the mouth.

An example of chemical digestion seen in the mouth is when you eat starchy food,
like crackers. These start to become soft in the mouth, indicating chemical digestion
by the amylase in saliva. Other food, like meats, do not experience the same quality
of digestion in the mouth since meat is primarily made of protein which cannot be
digested by the amylase in saliva.

Liver and Gallbladder

The liver is the second largest organ. It is a
triangular-shaped organ located below the
diaphragm. Its main role is the production of bile.
The gallbladder stores and holds the bile until it is
needed for lipid digestion in the duodenum.

Pancreas
Another organ which produces enzymes to break
down food molecules is the pancreas. It is a
yellowish organ which is around six inches long
and lies near the stomach. The pancreas secretes pancreatic juices which are
essential in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in food.

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 Key Points

● The components of the digestive system are the mouth, the

gastrointestinal tract, and the accessory organs. Each of these
components has their own set of organs that perform specific functions.
● The mouth is mostly for the physical breakdown of food, as well as the
chemical breakdown of specific parts of food.
● The gastrointestinal tract is mostly for the chemical breakdown of food, as
well as the absorption of nutrients and water.
● Accessory organs produce different compounds and enzymes that aid in the
chemical breakdown of food.
● Food enters the body through the mouth, then proceeds to the
gastrointestinal tract. The accessory organs secrete their enzymes into both
the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Web Links

For further information, you can check the following web links:

● To know how the digestive system works, visit “How the

digestive system works” by Emma Bryce:
TED-Ed. ‘How the digestive system works’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og5xAdC8EUI

● To play a game regarding the parts of the Digestive System,

check out this game from Purpose Games.
Digestive System Labeling Interactive by Purpose Games
https://www.purposegames.com/game/digestive-system-labeling-interactive-game

● To play another game related to the parts of the Digestive

System, check out this game from Sheppardsoftware.
Sheppardsoftware, digestion game
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/health/anatomy/digestion/digestion_game_2.htm

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 Check Your Understanding

Refer to the given illustration below.

A. Identify the organ pinpointed by numbers 1 to 5.

1. _______________________________________
2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________
5. _______________________________________

B. Identify the specific structure of the digestive system described. Also, determine
its relative location by writing the corresponding letter in the figure.

Structure Location

1. Its inner walls have folds known as rugae.

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 2. It houses the vestibule.

3. It secretes pancreatic juices which are

essential in breaking down proteins, fats,
and carbohydrates.

4. Its upper portion is kept closed by the

cardiac sphincter.

5. It serves as the opening for the feces to be

eliminated from the body.

6. It secretes enzymes for digestion into the

oral cavity.

7. The sphincter of the stomach that leads to

the small intestine.

8. It is the section before the cardiac

sphincter.

9. It stores food after a full meal.

10. It is known as the frontmost set of teeth.

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. What could possibly happen if a person has a complete set of teeth, but
these teeth are all incisors?
2. Why does the stomach need to kill bacteria in food?
3. Why is there a need for sphincters in the stomach? What will happen
otherwise?
4. Why is the small intestine very long?
5. Why does the large intestine need to absorb water?

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 Lesson 15.2: Digestion of Food

Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to:
● give the functions of the different organs of the digestive system;
and
● identify the different processes of digestion that serve to provide
energy to the body.

We usually feel weak when we lack food, and we lose our hunger and feel more
energetic after we eat. It is because our bodies get energy primarily from the food
that we eat. On the other hand, eating some kinds of food can have adverse effects
on the body. Some would even develop rashes from consuming specific types of
food. We also commonly hear that eating too many sweets, and fatty food can be
harmful. Why is this so? What happens to the food as you swallow it down into
the gastrointestinal tract?

Warm-Up

Material Digestion
Materials:
● candy ● crackers ● sugar
● sand ● cups ● water

Procedure:
1. Immerse the candy in a cup of water. Stir for 1 minute and observe.
2. Do the same for sand, sugar, and crackers. Observe each.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2, but use soda instead of water.
4. Record your observations below.

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Data and Results:

Table 1. Changes in the materials in water and soda after 1 minute.

Observation
Materials
Water Soda

candy

sand

crackers

sugar

Guide Questions:
1. Why do you think some of the materials shrank while some did not?
2. Which made the materials dissolve faster, soda or water?

Learn about It

Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller molecules to be

absorbed by the body. The journey of food starting from the mouth down to the
anus can be summarized by a sequence of events namely: ingestion, propulsion,
digestion, absorption, assimilation, and excretion.

Ingestion
The first stage is ingestion. It is the
process of taking in food into the
mouth and the gastrointestinal tract.
The action of the saliva and physical
breakdown of food is part of
ingestion. Initially, the smell of food
signals the salivary glands to
produce saliva. Tasting the food
increases the amount of secretion.
Saliva has the enzyme amylase. This

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enzyme is responsible for breaking down of starch (sugars in plants) and glycogen
(sugars in animals). Chemical break down of food has already begun in the mouth.
Ingestion also involves grinding of food by the teeth known as mastication. Food is
broken down into tiny pieces enough to be taken down the gastrointestinal tract.

Cows, sheep, goats and other ruminants are capable of breaking down cellulose
found in plant material. It is because they have bacteria in their gastrointestinal
tract called the rumen microbes. These bacteria aid in the production of an
enzyme called cellulase that serves to break down cellulose. Humans, carnivores,
and many other animals cannot break down cellulose because these organisms do
not possess rumen microbes.

Propulsion
Food must then be moved from the
mouth into the gastrointestinal tract.
This movement involves a process
called propulsion. The act of
swallowing food is a voluntary type of
propulsion. Swallowing pushes the
food from the mouth into the
esophagus and is aided by the
tongue’s backward motion.
Swallowing is immediately followed by
an involuntary type of propulsion
known as peristalsis. Peristalsis is
the process wherein muscles of the
gastrointestinal tract involuntarily
contract and relax alternately to create rippling movements. This process starts
from the esophagus and continues up to the intestines. In the stomach, for
example, the upper portion relaxes to pass food towards the lower portion which
contracts and expands as it mixes food with digestive juices. The mixed and
partially digested food is called chyme.

The reason why food can still go down our gastrointestinal tract even when we lie
down or sit after eating is because of peristalsis which is an involuntary movement
that specifically serves the purpose of pushing food down. It means that no matter
what position we lie in, our gastrointestinal smooth muscles will involuntarily serve
their functions.

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Digestion
The process of digestion can be divided into two –mechanical and chemical
digestion.

Mechanical Digestion
Mechanical digestion is the process of physically breaking down food into smaller
pieces without chemical reactions taking place. The mastication of food done by
teeth exemplifies mechanical digestion. Mixing food with digestive juices by the
stomach movements, or churning, is also considered as mechanical digestion.
Segmentation is also another example of mechanical digestion. Done by the small
intestinal muscles, segmentation is the action of moving food back and forth the
intestine. This action helps food to mix with digestive juices for further degradation
in preparation for absorption.

Chemical Digestion
Chemical digestion, on
the other hand, is the
breakdown of larger
molecules into their
smaller building blocks via
chemical reactions. These
processes are always
accompanied by digestive
enzymes, which are
specific to a particular
type of molecule namely
carbohydrates, proteins,
and lipids or fats. The
building blocks of
carbohydrates are
monosaccharides.
Amino acids are the
building blocks of
proteins. As for lipids, it
would be fatty acids and
glycerol.

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Different nutrients have varying paths for absorption in the digestive system.
Carbohydrates are the main immediate source of energy of the body. They are
mostly found in bread, rice, pasta, fruits, and vegetables. These are broken down
into smaller molecules such as glucose, fructose, and lactose. Fats and oils are also
good sources of energy. Furthermore, if an animal has excessive food consumed,
this food is typically converted into fats. Proteins are found in eggs, meat, and
beans. Its building blocks, the amino acids, are essential in the synthesis of
enzymes and DNA molecules.

Just like mechanical digestion, chemical digestion also starts in the mouth by the
action of saliva. But most of the chemical digestion takes place in the stomach and
small intestines, with the help of the accessory organs and their secretions. The
presence of food triggers the stomach to release the hormone gastrin.
Consequently, gastrin signals the stomach to produce more pepsinogen, mucus,
and hydrochloric acid. The high acidity of the stomach brought by hydrochloric
acid activates pepsinogen to become pepsin which will digest proteins into amino
acids. Hydrochloric acid also helps in breaking down the fiber. Mucus covers the
inner walls of the stomach to protect itself from the acid. After enough protein
digestion, chyme is then pushed into the small intestine.

Most of the digestion and absorption happens in the small intestine. The secretions
of the pancreas and the liver are secreted into the small intestine to aid in
digestion. Bile from the liver is stored in the gallbladder, and secreted into the
duodenum for the emulsification of fat. The pancreas, on the other hand, will
secrete pancreatic juice into the duodenum. This pancreatic juice is a cocktail of
different enzymes like amylases, proteases, and lipases that will serve to break
down macromolecules into their corresponding building blocks. The villi and
microvilli in the intestine perform mechanical digestion as they separate the food
particles. Villi are finger-like projections which cover the walls of the intestine. Villi
are further divided into smaller projections called microvilli. The presence of villi
increases the surface area for absorption. The accessory organs release different
enzymes, and each of these enzymes has specific targets such as sugars, lipids, and
nucleotides. Further chemical digestion then takes place through these enzymes.
The chyme is further broken down into molecules which should be small enough to
be absorbed.

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Absorption
Absorption in the small intestine happens when nutrients that come from the
digested food are absorbed and transported into the bloodstream. The capillaries
and lacteals present in the villi and microvilli absorb the nutrients. Capillaries are
tiny blood vessels that absorb water-soluble nutrients such as glucose and amino
acids. Lacteals are lymphatic vessels which absorb fatty acids and glycerol. These
lymphatic vessels are the ones that are responsible for carrying fatty acids, which
are not carried normally by blood. As the building blocks of the nutrients are
absorbed and are transported into the bloodstream, they are then built up again as
complex substances.

Molecules such as vitamins and minerals do not undergo digestion and are easily
absorbed by the small intestine. The stomach also absorbs some of the water,
minerals, and alcohol. Chyme is also moved from the small intestine into the large
intestine through peristalsis. The large intestine absorbs most of the water and
some vitamins.

Fig. 14. Villi, microvilli, and lacteals are responsible for nutrient absorption.

Assimilation
The process of building up of complex substances after absorption is called
assimilation. It also involves the movement of nutrients absorbed by the blood.
This process is the opposite of absorption. Fatty acids accumulate into the cells to

21
form fats, amino acids to form proteins, and monosaccharides to form
polysaccharides (glycogen for animals). Assimilation is an important process for the
synthesis of essential compounds, such as hormones and enzymes, for the body to
function well.

Excretion
Feces is formed upon the absorption of excess water in the chyme. Feces contains
indigestible materials like cellulosic fiber from plants, small amounts of water,
mucus, and a large number of bacteria. Peristalsis and mass movements in the
large intestine move the feces into the rectum. Mass movements are slow and
long contractions within the large areas of the large intestine. As feces fills the
rectum, a defecation reflex then signals excretion. Excretion in the intestine
happens as the feces are pushed through the anus and are eliminated from the
body.

Key Points

● The journey of food from the mouth to the anus can be summarized by six
processes: ingestion, propulsion, digestion, absorption, assimilation, and
excretion.
● Each of these processes has specific events for breaking down food,
absorbing nutrients, are removing waste from the body.
● The organs of the digestive system have specific functions that relate to the
processes.
● Digestion can either be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical digestion is the
physical breakdown of food. Chemical digestion involves the use of
compounds, enzymes, or acids for chemically breaking down food.
● Food is broken down into smaller components for better absorption of
specific molecules. These molecules are then built back up for use by the
body.

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 Web Links

For further information, you can check the following web links:

● To see the digestive processes in a video, visit this link:

TED-Ed. ‘How does digestion work?’
https://ed.ted.com/featured/b2umD1Ay

● To play a game regarding the process of digestion, visit this link:

Interactive Human Digestion Game for Kids by Stem Game Crew
http://www.stemgamecrew.org/interactive-human-digestion-interactive-game-for-kids
/

● To see peristalsis in action, check out this endoscopy video:

Peristaltic wave in the gastric antrum by ENDOSCOPYVIDEOS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o18UycWRsaA

Check Your Understanding

A. Identify the major digestive process (ingestion, propulsion, digestion,

assimilation, absorption, and excretion) involved in each item.
1. Food is broken down into their building blocks through chemical means.
2. Fatty acids accumulate in the cells to form fats, proteins, and
polysaccharides.
3. Food is being swallowed and taken in by the mouth.
4. Mixing of food with digestive juices is a process called churning.
5. Segmentation helps food to mix with digestive juices to prepare the food for
further degradation.
6. Swallowing pushes the food from the mouth into the esophagus.

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 7. Saliva breaks down carbohydrates in the food.
8. Food particles are absorbed and transported into the bloodstream.
9. Movements in the large intestine move feces into the rectum.
10. The stomach performs peristalsis by relaxing its upper portion to accept and
food from the esophagus.
B. Identify the term being referred to by each statement.
1. Slow and long contractions in the large intestine.
2. Lymphatic vessels that absorb fatty acids and glycerol.
3. Fingerlike projections in the small intestines that increase surface area for
absorption.
4. The hormone that signals the stomach to produce pepsinogen, mucus, and
acids.
5. An enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch.

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. What is the significance of having involuntary muscles in the gastrointestinal
tract?
2. Can breakdown happen with mechanical digestion or chemical digestion
alone? Why or why not?
3. How do the fingerlike projections in the small intestine aid in absorption?
4. Why does the body need to break down food into smaller materials before
building them back up?
5. Why are there specific enzymes for breaking down specific components of
food?

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 Lesson 15.3: Interaction of the Digestive
System with Other Body Systems

Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to:
● explain how the digestive system interacts with other systems of
the body; and
● differentiate the different interactions that they have with the
digestive system.

A body system is a collection of different organs which function for a specific

purpose. The organs of the digestive system, for example, function for digestion.
But the body needs the different body systems to interdependently function well.
What could be the role of the digestive system in relation to other body
systems? How about the role of other body systems in relation to the
digestive system?

Warm-Up

Relationship Diagram
Materials:
● illustration board ● pins
(⅛-sized) ● yarn
● drawing materials ● scissors

Procedure:
1. Draw a simple drawing of a human (an outline will do) on your illustration
boards.
2. Pin one end of yarn on where you think the digestive system is.
3. Take the other end of the yarn and pin it to where you think the nervous
system is. There should now be yarn running from the digestive to the

25
 nervous system.
4. Repeat this process by connecting the digestive system to the circulatory,
integumentary, excretory system. Use a new piece of yarn for each.

Guide Questions:
1. What does the yarn represent?
2. Why is there a connection between these systems?

Learn about It

Body systems interact with one another for the body to function properly. The
integumentary, circulatory, excretory, and nervous systems interact with the
digestive system to do specific tasks.

Interaction with the Integumentary System

Most ingested food substances are needed to be broken down before they can be
absorbed by the body. However, most vitamins and minerals are easily absorbed by
the small intestine without digestion. One such mineral is calcium. Calcium is
absorbed with the help of Vitamin D. Although Vitamin D can be found in food, the
skin has a lot of receptors which trigger Vitamin D synthesis upon exposure to
sunlight. As part of the integumentary system, the skin plays a vital role in the
absorption of calcium and synthesis of proteins. The role of Vitamin D happens
as it enters the skin through capillaries. Vitamin D is essential for increasing the rate
of protein synthesis of muscle fibers to improve muscle strength. There are also
studies that link Vitamin D to weight loss through the burning of fats. The digestive
system, on the other hand, is responsible for keeping the skin healthy and
protected by providing fats and oils absorbed by the small intestine.

Interaction with the Circulatory System

As the digestive system absorbs nutrients from food, it needs the help of the
circulatory system to transport the nutrients into the other parts of the body.
Nutrients enter the bloodstream through the actions of villi and microvilli. These
nutrients keep the organ functioning as they constantly use sugars for energy, and
proteins for various other functions. The circulatory system is also responsible for
transporting waste and unnecessary materials towards the kidney for urination.
This system is also essential to the digestive system since it supplies the right

26
amount of blood and oxygen needed for energy which drives digestion. About 30
percent of blood pumped by the heart goes to the digestive system. It also carries
the chemical signals from the endocrine system which regulate digestion.

Fig. 15. Blood in the digestive system

The circulatory system also plays a big role in assimilation which is one of the
processes involved in digestion. Assimilation happens after absorption in the small
intestine. It is the process of movement and transformation of nutrients into the
substances needed by different organs. The saccharides, amino acids, and fatty
acids are broken down by digestion are transported by the blood. They are again
converted into large molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as needed
by the body. The circulatory system carries glucose to the liver where it is stored or
utilized by the body as an energy resource. Amino acids pass through the wall of
the intestines towards the bloodstream to be carried to all body parts for tissue
repair. Fats, on the other hand, pass through the lymphatic vessels and into the
veins and are to be utilized for energy consumption or storage.

27
Interaction with the Excretory System
The digestive system also helps the excretory system to eliminate wastes from the
body. Wastes, if stayed too long inside the body, is toxic. Excretion or elimination
overlaps with the function of the excretory system. The liver which is an accessory
organ plays also a role in excretion. As the liver breaks down amino acids and fats
coming from products of digestion, it also removes the unnecessary wastes from
the blood.

Interaction with the Nervous System

The interaction of the digestive system with the nervous system is also vital. First,
the digestive processes provide the building blocks for some of the
neurotransmitters of the nervous system. Amino acids are essential to the
formation of neurotransmitters. Consequently, the brain which is the main organ of
the nervous system is responsible for controlling different actions within the
digestive system. Processes like swallowing, peristalsis, chemical digestion, and
even defecation are all controlled by the brain. On the other hand, it is the digestive
system which sends the information to the brain via different sensory receptors.

Interestingly, the digestive system contains its own regulators. Regulators are
substances which control the different processes of the system. There are two
types of regulators present in the digestive system, hormone and nerve regulators.
Hormone regulators stimulate the production of gastric juices and cause the
movement of the organs involved. These hormones are produced by the cells in the
mucosa found in the walls of the stomach and small intestine. Three major
hormones, gastrin, secretin, and cholecystokinin control digestion. Gastrin
stimulates the production of acid which dissolves and digests food in the stomach.
Secreted by the pancreas, secretin signals the production of digestive juices like
pepsin. Pepsin is responsible for the breakdown of most proteins. Cholecystokinin
signals the production of pancreatic juices that helps digestion within the small
intestine.

Nerve regulators are the ones responsible for controlling the actions of the
digestive system. There are two types of nerve regulators, intrinsic and extrinsic
nerve regulators. Extrinsic nerve regulators from the brain or spinal cord release
chemicals called acetylcholine and adrenaline. Additional force for squeezing and
peristalsis is induced by acetylcholine. It also causes the production of digestive
juices. Adrenaline, on the other hand, relaxes the muscles of the stomach and
intestine. It is also responsible for the decrease of blood flow towards the stomach
and intestine. Intrinsic nerve regulators are found as a network in the walls of the

28
esophagus, stomach, and intestines. They are stimulated to release different
enzymes as food enters these organs. These enzymes speed up or delay the
movement of food thus, also controlling food processing.

Key Points

● The general function of the digestive system is to break down food and
extract nutrients for use by the other body systems.
● The integumentary system aids the digestive system in acquiring Vitamin D.
● The circulatory system pumps the nutrients from the digestive system into
different body parts.
● The nervous system aids in regulating digestion.
● Several hormones are involved in releasing the proper substances to
promote proper digestion.

Web Links

For further information, you can check the following web links:

● To see how the heart pumps nutrients to the other parts of the
body, check out this Ted-Ed video:
TED-Ed. ‘How the heart actually pumps blood’ by Edmond Hui’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruM4Xxhx32U

● To watch a video on how the nervous system and the digestive

system interact, click on this link:
How Does Our Gut Talk to Our Brain? By Diego Bohorquez - Ted-Ed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utFG8GEvmfg

29
 ● To watch a video on how the nervous system affects other
systems, including the digestive, check out this Ted-Ed link:
Ted-Ed, Autonomic Nervous System
https://ed.ted.com/on/CLylCCa3

Check Your Understanding

A. Match the items in column A with the descriptions in column B.

Column A
1. adrenaline 6. excretory system
2. circulatory system 7. intrinsic nerve regulators
3. gastrin 8. lymphatic vessels
4. secretin 9. liver
5. vitamin D 10. acetylcholine

Column B
a. signals the production of digestive juices released by the pancreas
b. pathway of fats into the veins
c. eliminate wastes from the body
d. essential for increasing the rate of protein synthesis
e. helps speed up or delay the movement of food across the tract
f. stimulates the production of acid which dissolves and digests food in the
stomach
g. relaxes the muscles of the stomach and intestines
h. transports the nutrients into the other parts of the body
i. induces squeezing and peristaltic movement
j. removes unnecessary wastes from the blood.

B. Identify the term being described by the statements.

1. Nerve regulators that release acetylcholine and adrenaline.
2. Substances that control different processes of organ systems.
3. A substance produced by the pancreas which stimulates the release of
pepsin.
4. A hormone that relaxes the walls of the digestive system and lowers digestive
rate.

30
 5. The circulatory system transports wastes into this organ before urination.

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. What will happen to the other systems if the digestive system is not able to
perform its functions properly?
2. What are the consequences on other body systems regarding energy if the
circulatory system does not function properly?
3. How does the integumentary system aid the digestive system in providing
nutrients?
4. What will happen to the digestive processes if acetylcholine is not available?
5. What will happen to the digestive processes if intrinsic nerve regulators do
not function correctly?

31
 Lesson 15.4: Diseases of the Digestive
System

Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to:
● explain how diseases of the digestive system are prevented,
detected, and treated; and
● identify the effect of these diseases on the digestive system.

Sometimes, instances happen wherein you eat something your tooth or teeth ache.
Other times, you eat a large amount of food and you feel some pain in your belly.
What’s worse is you always have to run to the comfort room afterwards. Have you
ever wondered what causes these, and how they can be treated?

Warm-Up

Digestive Health Lottery

Materials:
● illustration board (¼-size) ● paper
● drawing materials ● scissors

Procedure:
1. Divide your class into five groups. Each group should make three paper lots
devoted to each of the following organs of the digestive system.

Table 2. Habit paper lots for each organ.

Organs Lot 1 Lot 2 Lot 3

eating too many regular brushing not brushing

teeth
sweets regularly

32
 mouth and using mouthwash smoking not brushing
tongue regularly

unhealthy eating eating a balanced drinking water

stomach
diet regularly

eating fiber-rich not having unhealthy eating

intestines
food enough fiber

2. Randomly draw one lot from each organ.

3. Draw a human with organs that properly reflect the practices that you
randomly drew. For example, if you drew “too many sweets” then you should
draw teeth that reflect that practice. Be creative with your drawings.

Guide Questions:
1. Why are some practices good and some bad
2. Why do some practices affect multiple organs?

Learn about It

Each organ in the digestive system is important for the system to function properly.
The enzymes and other substances produced in the system helps maintain the
organs by eliminating harmful bacteria and toxins. But these may not be enough to
prevent certain diseases and symptoms. There are different diseases starting from
the mouth, down to the gastrointestinal tract of the digestive system.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay or cavity is a common
disease of teeth, especially in children. It
is characterized by the breakdown of
teeth specifically on the enamel and
dentin layers. This disease is caused by
bacteria which produce acids that
degrade teeth. The different types of
bacteria in the mouth build up in the film
called plaque. Plaque is a sticky film

33
which contains saliva and tiny bits of food. It is commonly found in cracks
and grooves of teeth, between teeth, dental fillings, and gum lines. As plaque
accumulates, bacteria turn the sugar and carbohydrates in the food into acids. Pits
develop as a result of the destruction of enamel. Decay continues in the dentin
layer of teeth when the acids leak into the pits creating a cavity.

There are no visible or painful symptoms in the early process of tooth decay. But as
the decay eats through the enamel, the tooth becomes sensitive to sweet tastes,
and hot or cold food. Visiting a dentist regularly can detect the developing cavities
using tools like an explorer, x-rays, and lasers. Early detection can stop the acid
from destroying the enamel which allows the tooth to heal itself. But if the enamel
has already been destroyed, the process can no longer be reversed and can only be
repaired by use of dental fillings. Daily brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial
mouthwash can help prevent cavities. This way, the amount of plaque and bacteria
in the mouth are reduced. The use of fluoride prescribed by dentists can also
prevent cavities. To fill the teeth with a cavity, dentists may either use an amalgam
(mixture of liquid mercury and metal alloy) or composite resin (dental cement with
synthetic resin).

Gingivitis
Another disease in the mouth is gingivitis. It is an early stage of gum disease
characterized by gum inflammation. Like tooth decay, its main cause is the
accumulation of plaque. Plaque causes the production of harmful substances which
irritate the gums. Plaque that remains on the teeth will eventually harden. These
hardened plaques are called tartar, and will further collect bacteria. Removing
tartar needs the aid of a dentist. Having red and swollen gums which bleed upon
brushing are signs of gingivitis. Another sign would be bad breath and gums which
are detached from teeth. Since it is an early stage of gum disease, it can easily be
prevented by proper oral hygiene which includes brushing at least twice a day,
flossing, avoiding cigarette smoking, and visiting a dentist regularly. If gingivitis is
left untreated, it may cause a more serious and permanent damage of the teeth
and jaw called periodontitis.

Constipation
A common disease of the digestive system is constipation. It is characterized by
irregular defecation or release of feces. The feces released is dry making defecation
hard and sometimes painful in the lower part of the abdomen. Its common cause is
when the large intestine removes too much water from digestive waste making the

34
feces dry. Having a low-fiber diet and lack of exercise are the common causes of
constipation. This disease can easily be prevented by having a diet rich in fiber like
fruits and vegetables. Drinking water frequently can also help. Taking laxatives is a
good remedy for more severe cases which cannot be treated with just water intake
and a high-fiber diet. A laxative is a stimulant which relaxes the intestine to signal
bowel movement.

Diarrhea
Another common disease of the digestive system is diarrhea. It is the opposite of
constipation. Diarrhea is characterized by abnormally loose and wet feces. It is
commonly caused by an infection in the gastrointestinal tract brought by bacteria,
viruses, or parasites. Its symptoms are pain or cramps in the stomach, bloated
feeling, thirstiness, and weight loss. There are also severe cases of diarrhea which
are due to other diseases like inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease.
This severe case of diarrhea is called chronic diarrhea. This type of diarrhea is
characterized by having blood on the feces. Minor cases of diarrhea do not need
medical attention.

Drinking plenty of fluids may help in

treating and preventing diarrhea. Oral
rehydration salts can be given to
patients with diarrhea to replace the
water, sugars, and electrolytes lost in
the intestines. Antibiotics are also
used if diarrhea is caused by bacteria.
Diarrhea can be prevented by
assuring that drinking water is clean,
having good personal hygiene, using
good sanitary products, and washing
hands thoroughly and regularly.

Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are holes in the linings
of the stomach or upper part of the
small intestine. These holes are due
to acids and enzymes which come in
contact with the lining leading to
internal wounding or burning.

35
Symptoms include burning sensations, stomach pains, bloated feeling, and nausea
(the urge to vomit). Frequent intake of painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen,
drinking alcohol, and eating spicy foods may increase the risk of developing peptic
ulcers. Severe peptic ulcers may lead to vomiting of blood, breathing heavily, or
darkening of feces. Peptic ulcers caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics
and by reducing or stopping the use of painkillers. If the ulcer is not caused by
bacteria, the doctor may prescribe another medication which reduces the acid.

Gastritis
Another disease similar to peptic ulcer is gastritis. It is the inflammation of the
mucosa or the protective layer of the stomach. A thin protective layer of the
stomach can lead to ulcers and internal bleeding. Gastritis can be prevented and
treated similarly with peptic ulcers because of their nature. Severe gastritis may
lead to stomach cancer if left untreated.

Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Peptic ulcers may cause another problem of the digestive system called
indigestion. Indigestion (also called dyspepsia) is the recurring pain or discomfort
in the upper portion of the abdomen. This disease is sometimes accompanied by
chest pains called heartburn. Indigestion, as well as peptic ulcers, can be
prevented by avoiding alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking and eating too fast or too
slow. It should be noted that stomach acids do not cause indigestion.

Key Points

● Diseases of the digestive system may involve one or more digestive organs.
● These diseases exhibit different symptoms but many of them involve the
hindrance of normal digestive functions.
● Many diseases of the mouth can be prevented by having proper hygiene
and oral care.

36
 ● Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can be prevented by having a
proper diet.
● Overuse of certain substances, like medications, cigarettes, or alcohol, can
also cause diseases of the digestive system.

Web Links

For further information, you can check the following weblinks:

● To see what causes cavities to form, check out this Ted-Ed video:
TED-Ed. ‘What causes cavities’ by Mel Rosenberg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGoBFU1q4g0

● To see what causes bad breath, check out this Ted-Ed video:
TED-Ed. ‘What causes bad breath’ by Mel Rosenberg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ13QfP2os8

● To see what causes stomach ulcers, check out this Ted-Ed video:
TED-Ed. ‘The surprising cause of stomach ulcers’ by Rusha Modi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_U6czbDHLE

Check Your Understanding

A. From the box below, choose the item which is being described in the following
statements.

cavity laxative plaque constipation indigestion

diarrhea peptic ulcer tartar gastritis gingivitis

1. It is an early stage of gum disease characterized by the inflammation of the

gums.

37
 2. It is the inflammation of the mucosa or the protective layer of the stomach.
3. It is a stimulant which relaxes the intestine to signal bowel movements thus
relieving constipation.
4. This disease is caused by bacteria which produce acids that destroy teeth.
5. It is also known as dyspepsia.
6. It is a hole in the mucosa or lining of the stomach or upper part of the small
intestine.
7. It is the sticky film which contains saliva and tiny bits of food.
8. It is plaque which remained and hardened on the teeth.
9. It is characterized by abnormally loose and wet feces.
10. It pertains to the difficult release of dry feces.

B. Identify the term being described by the statements below.

1. Substances that dentists use for filling in cavities.
2. Medication containing electrolytes and salts normally given to patients with
diarrhea.
3. Chest pain associated with indigestion.
4. Medications used for killing bacteria.
5. A diet which helps prevent constipation.

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. Why does smoking have such a large negative impact on oral health?
2. How can regular water intake help prevent constipation?
3. Why is it that many tooth diseases involve the destruction of the enamel?
4. Why does the stomach contain protective layers? What will happen if these
layers are damaged?
5. Can tooth diseases only be caused by sugar? What about other food?

38
 Lesson 15:5: Taking Care of Our Digestive
System

Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to:
● identify healthful practices that affect the digestive system;
● differentiate the positive and negative effects of different
practices on the digestive system.

From the previous lesson, you have learned a lot of different problems of the
digestive system. By now, you should have known that taking care of your body will
help your digestive system and other body systems. In what ways can you take
care of your digestive system?

Warm-Up
Construct a Food Pyramid
Materials:
● illustration board (¼-size) ● paper
● drawing materials ● scissors

Procedure:
1. Divide your class into 5 groups. Each group should create random lots
containing the following:
beef, pork, chicken, fish, bread, rice, apples, mangoes, bananas, pineapples,
lettuce, eggplant, coconut, candies, potato chips, soda, artificial fruit juice,
salads, junk food
2. Randomly draw ten types of food from the list.
3. Create a food pyramid using the ten types of food you drew. Make sure that
the food that should be consumed more should be at the bottom, and those
consumed less at the top.

39
Guide Questions:
1. Why are there some food types that you should eat more?
2. What happens if you eat more junk food than healthy food?

Learn about It

Good Habits for the Digestive System

Balanced Diet
Having a balanced diet is important in keeping the digestive system healthy. A diet
pertains to the variety of food and drinks consumed regularly. What and how much
an individual eats describes his or her diet. A balanced diet should include
carbohydrates (usually from cereals), proteins (meat, milk legumes), and essential
vitamins and minerals (vegetables and fruits) needed by the body. Eating foods high
in fiber such as whole grains and fruits contributes fiber that regulates bowel
movement and intestinal cleansing. It may also lower cholesterol in the body.

A balanced diet does not only pertain to the food an individual eats but also on
food which should be avoided. Avoiding fatty foods helps prevent complications of
the digestive system. Fatty foods are difficult to digest and cause strains to the
organs. Animal meat high in saturated fats can be found in foods commonly served
at fast food chains thus, visits on these fast food chains should be monitored and
regulated. Eating of acidic and spicy foods should also be moderated. These may
increase the risk of developing diseases such as gastritis and peptic ulcer, and thus
should be eaten in moderation.

Hydration
Eighty percent of the body is made up of water. This is associated with the fact that
cells are also mostly composed of water. Water is vital for many metabolic
processes but one of its essential functions is to keep proteins intact. Hydration
should also be a major component of one’s diet. Drinking plenty of clean and safe
water is the best method of hydrating the body. Aside from regulating body
temperature, water also prevents constipation. In the digestive processes, water is
responsible for moistening digestive material. This is necessary for the smooth
movement of material through the gastrointestinal tract.

40
Good Eating Habits
Developing good eating habits should also accompany a balanced diet. Since
digestion starts at the mouth, eating slowly and chewing the food well helps make
the digestive process smooth. Sitting properly makes sure where the body is not
scrunched also helps to ease the material flow. Drinking water after every meal and
eating meals at regular intervals gives the digestive organs enough time to process
the food from the last meal.

Healthy Lifestyle
Having an overall healthy lifestyle also aids the digestive system. Exercise is one of
the factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Regular and moderate physical
exercise helps strengthen abdominal muscles which lessen the strain of digestion.
Simple brisk walking and taking the stairs are possible modes of exercise. Avoiding
smoking and alcoholic drinks is also suggested to reduce the risk of organs like liver
and kidneys from malfunctioning. In terms of digestion, these habits may lead to
constipation, diarrhea, and also damages the inner linings of the stomach. Proper
handling of stress should also be included in a healthy lifestyle. Taking stress calmly
and with the presence of mind and body is called stress management. Being
involved in relaxing activities such as yoga or maintaining optimum levels of sleep
are good ways of managing stress.

Malnutrition
In contrast, an unhealthy lifestyle accompanied by improper eating habits may lead
to malnutrition. Malnutrition is the general term to indicate poor health due to
lack of certain nutrients. It is often due to improper food consumption and
unbalanced intake of nutrients. Protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient
malnutrition are two common types of malnutrition.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition
Protein-energy malnutrition pertains to lack of protein- and energy-giving foods
like carbohydrates in one’s diet. This can be a life-threatening condition wherein the
body suffers from deprivation of needed substances which leads to body
malfunction. This type of malnutrition is also called undernutrition. An
undernourished individual suffers severe weight loss causing bones to protrude.
Having a dry and inelastic skin is also a characteristic of an undernourished
individual.

41
Micronutrient Malnutrition
Deficiency of minerals or vitamins in the diet is called micronutrient deficiency.
Vitamin A, iron, and iodine are the three main micronutrients which are found to be
lacking in the diets of many developing countries, such as the Philippines, as
identified by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Vitamin A
deficiency causes night blindness and weakens the body, making it more
susceptible to other diseases. Anemia is caused by iron deficiency. It is
characterized by low amounts of hemoglobin or red blood cells. The enlargement
of the thyroid gland called goiter is one of the consequences of iodine deficiency.
Nutrient deficiency awareness led to the drive of many international groups to
make nutrient supplemented food such as iodized salt available to developing
countries. Specific strains of rice have also been developed to contain iron and
vitamin A as immediate sources.

Overnutrition
Overnutrition is also considered as a type of malnutrition. It can lead to a condition
known as obesity. It is characterized by being overweight, and there is a high
amount of fat evident in the body. Regular eating big chunks of food during meals
and constant consumption of saturated fats commonly found in fast foods are the
main causes of obesity. High levels of carbohydrates within one’s diet can be a
common cause. This is why many people with obesity also have diabetes. Obesity
increases the risk of having heart diseases, strokes, high blood pressure, and bad
bone structures.

Key Points

● A balanced diet that contains the proper amount of macromolecules and

42
 nutrients necessary for proper body function is important for good digestive
health.
● Healthy practices, such as exercise, also helps with digestive health.
● Malnutrition comes in two primary forms - protein-energy malnutrition
and micronutrient deficiency.
● The Philippines is one of the countries with a high incidence of malnutrition.
● Various deficiencies may also lead to other diseases like goiter or anemia.

Web Links

For further information, you can check the following web links:

● To see the effects of the food you eat on your digestive system,
watch:
TED-Ed. ‘How the food you eat affects your gut’ by Shilpa Ravella
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sISguPDlhY

● To see what other effects healthy eating can do, check out this
Ted-Ed video:
TED-Ed. ‘How the food you eat affects your brain’’ by Mia Nacamulli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyQY8a-ng6g

● To watch a video on how fast food affects us negatively, check

out this Ted-Ed video:
TED-Ed. ‘Why is fast food bad?’
https://ed.ted.com/on/a4iaT4Pp

Check Your Understanding

A. Identify the terms being described by the statements below.

1. The method of drinking clean and safe water regularly.
2. Practices that reduce the amount of stress that one experiences.
3. Poor health due to lack of certain nutrients.
4. Refers to a lack of protein and energy-rich food.
5. Refers to a lack of vitamin A, iron, or iodine.
6. A disease caused by a lack of iodine.

43
 7. A disease characterized by low hemoglobin or red blood cell count.
8. A disorder characterized by having a large amount of fat as a result of
overnutrition.
9. A deficiency in this nutrient leads to poor eyesight.
10. A diet characterized by having a good amount of nutrients, protein, and
energy needed by the body. Also characterized by not having a high amount
of fat, chemicals, salt, and sugar.

B. Determine if the following statements are factual or not.

1. Smoking cigarette is alright in acceptable amounts and will not impact
digestive health.
2. The mental state does not have an impact on digestive function.
3. Protein-energy malnutrition can be cured by taking micronutrients.
4. There is no relationship between obesity and diabetes.
5. Overnutrition is acceptable since it provides all the proper nutrients needed
by the body.

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions.

1. How can eating acidic and spicy food lead to an ulcer?
2. How does water prevent constipation?
3. Why is overnutrition usually accompanied by diabetes?
4. Where can micronutrients be acquired?
5. How do improper eating habits lead to malnutrition?

44
 Laboratory Activity

Activity 15.1
Modeling the Digestive Processes

Objectives
At the end of this laboratory activity, the students should be able to:
● identify the different processes associated with digestive organs; and
● identify the function of the different organs of the digestive system.

Materials
● crackers ● toilet paper roll and
● vinegar ● water
● plastic bag ● toilet paper
● cups ● candy
● bread ● ruler

Procedure
1. Mouth: chew a piece of cracker for 2 minutes without swallowing it. Record
the changes in texture and taste every minute for 2 minutes in the worksheet
below.
2. Stomach: take a piece of bread and a small cup of water. Place them in a
plastic bag and squeeze until the bread is reduced to mush. Do this twice
with different sizes for the plastic bags. Record your observations and the
time it took to reduce the mixture to mush in the worksheet below.
3. Stomach: immerse a piece of candy in water. Immerse another piece of
candy of the same size in vinegar. Record the size of each after 10 minutes.
Record your observations in the worksheet below.
4. Small Intestine: squeeze the contents of one of the plastic bags from step 3
into a toilet paper roll and tilt until the contents come out of the other end.
Record your observations.
5. Large Intestine: pat down the contents from step 5 with a piece of tissue
paper. Record your observations.

45
Observation

Table 1. Mouth. Taste and texture of crackers

Time Observation

Taste Texture

0:00

1:00

2:00

Table 2. Stomach. Observation on the bread and candy

Observation

Plastic bag (small)

Plastic bag (large)

Candy size (water)

Candy size (vinegar)

Table 3. Small and large intestine. Observation on the contents of plastic bag
Observation

The appearance of the inside

of roll (small intestine)

Appearance before patting

with toilet paper (large
intestine)

Appearance after patting

with toilet paper (large
intestine)

46
Guide Questions
1. Was it easier or harder to reduce the bread to mush with the smaller or the
larger plastic bag? Why?
2. What does the content stick to the side of the toilet paper roll represent?
3. What does patting down of the content with tissue paper represent?

Performance Task

Taking Care of the Digestive System

Goal
● Make an attractive poster and brochure that highlight healthy practices for
the digestive system. You may choose one of the topics for your poster and
brochure from this list: healthy eating, proper oral hygiene, practices for
cleaning water before drinking, or good health practices (like not smoking).

Role
● You are a group of young professionals promoting good practices that lead
to good digestive health.

Audience
● You will present your output to a nearby barangay.

Situation
● Many people are not aware of proper practices to take care of the digestive
system. Your job is to promote this.

Product, Performance, and Purpose:

● You need to create an attractive and informative brochure and poster that
promotes good digestive system care based on the topics mentioned above.
You only need to pick one topic to focus on. Your poster should focus on
visuals and short but important snippets of information. Your brochure must
also be visually attractive but will serve to contain more detailed information.

Standards and Criteria

47
 ● Your performance will be graded by the following rubric.
Below Needs Successful Exemplary
Criteria Expectations, Improvement Performance Performance
0% to 49% 50% to 74% 75% to 99% 100%

Content. Details not Details are Details are Details are

presented. Content presented but not presented in an presented in an
Detailed facts are
is not related to the organized. There is organized manner. organized matter
presented well.
task. some content that Content is related that can be easily
Content related to the
is not related to the to the task. understood.
task.
task. Content is related
to the task.
Additional
supporting details
are presented.

Communication Presentation was Presentation was Presentation was Presentation was

not done. done but in a done smoothly but done clearly.
Skills.
disorganized and the concepts are Concepts were
Presentation was done illogical manner. presented in such a presented in a
in a clear and logical way that should be logical manner
manner. rearranged for and easily
better understandable
understanding. by the audience.

Audiovisual Only one Audiovisual Audiovisual Audiovisual

audiovisual materials are used materials are well materials are well
materials.
material used. but are messy and organized and done organized and
Materials presented in disorganized. There neatly. Some done creatively.
a creative way but not is no attention to attention is paid to There is also a
sacrificing the details. detail. great attention to
accuracy of facts. details.

Integrating No concept of The concept of The concept of The concept of

digestive health digestive health digestive health digestive health
concepts in
discussed in the was mentioned but was properly was integrated in
digestive health. task. not integrated into integrated into the an organized and
Subject matter is the task. task. Concepts were logical way.
integrated and properly presented Additional
properly used in in relation to the concepts about
presenting facts. task. the topics related
to the task were
presented.

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 Self Check

Do a self-check on how well you learned the lessons in this unit. Place a checkmark
in the appropriate box.

Check I can…

identify the structures of the digestive system

explain the functions of the digestive system.

identify the diseases of the digestive system.

explain proper habits that benefit the digestive system.

Key Words

Absorption It is the digestive process of taking in nutrients.

Accessory Organs These are organs that are not necessarily part of the
gastrointestinal tract but produce substances that aid in
digestion.
Amylase This is an enzyme in saliva that breaks down starch.
Assimilation It is the process of building up complex substances.
Bolus It is a mixture of saliva and food after it has been chewed.
Chyme These are contents of the small intestine that come from
the stomach. It is a mixture of food and other substances.
Digestion It is the general process of breaking down food, absorbing
nutrients, building substances from nutrients, and
excreting wastes.
Esophagus It is a long tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach.
Excretion It is the process of removing waste from the body.

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Extrinsic nerve These are regulators that produce acetylcholine and
regulators adrenaline.
Ingestion It is a process of taking in food into the body.
Intrinsic Nerve This is a network of nerves that serve to signal the release
Regulators of different enzymes and hormones for digestion.
Mastication It is the physical act of chewing to break down food.
Peristalsis It is a wavelike motion in the gastrointestinal tract for
moving food.
Propulsion It is the physical act of moving food down the digestive
tract.
Stomach It is a muscular organ that serves as a digestion site and
storage site for food.

Wrap Up

Digestive System

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 Photo Credits

Intro. Indian Food by Mohans1995, is licensed under CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia

Commons

Fig. 1. Digestive System by BruceBlaus, is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via WikiJournal

of Medicine

Fig. 2. 0653 Mouth Anatomy by BruceBlaus, is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via

WikiJournal of Medicine

Fig. 5. 2305 Divisions of the Pharynx by Anatomy and Physiology Connexions

Website, is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Openstax College
Fig. 6. Tractus Intestinalis Esophagus by Olek Remesz, is licensed under CC BY 2.5
via Wikimedia Commons.

Fig. 7. Illu stomach2 by NIH/National Cancer Institute, is Public Domain via

Wikimedia Commons

Fig. 8. Blausen 0817 SmallIntestine Anatomy by BruceBlaus, is licensed under CC BY

3.0 via WikiJournal of Medicine.

Fig. 9. Blausen 0603 LargeIntestine Anatomy by BruceBlaus, is licensed under CC BY

3.0 via WikiJournal of Medicine.

Fig. 10. Gallbladder-Liver-Pancreas Location by BruceBlaus, is licensed under CC BY

3.0 via WikiJournal of Medicine.

Fig. 13a. BallenaBlanca, CC BY-SA 4.0

Fig. 14. OpenStax College, , CC BY 3.0

Fig. 15. Dental caries cavity 2 by Suyash.dwivedi, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via
Wikimedia Commons

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Fig. 16. UNICEF-ORS by Olle Gustavsson, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via
Wikimedia Commons

Fig. 17. Gastric Ulcer by BruceBlaus, is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via WikiJournal of
Medicine.

Fig. 18. A malnourished child in an MSF treatment tent in Dolo Ado by DFID - UK
Department for International Development, is licensed under CC BY 2.0 via
Wikimedia Commons.

References

Bill W. Tillery, et al. 2010. Integrated Science, 4th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Earth Science. USA: CK-12 Foundation, 2009.

Campbell, Neil A. and Jane B. Reece. 2004. Biology, 6th edition. Singapore: Pearson
Education South Asia Pte Ltd.

Cecie Starr et al. 2014. BIOLOGY: Today and Tomorrow, 4th edition. Singapore:
Cengage Learning Pte Ltd.

Dee Thompson. SeattlePI Education.

http://education.seattlepi.com/digestive-system-experiments-seventh-graders
-6613.html

Kelly Ludwig. Lincoln Way High School. http://mypages.iit.edu/~smile/bi9706.html

Neil Campbell, et al. 2013. Biology, 10th edition. Singapore: Pearson Education South
Asia Pte Ltd.

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