Grade-8-LAS Digestive System
Grade-8-LAS Digestive System
Grade-8-LAS Digestive System
Department of Education
Region 1
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF PANGASINAN II
STA. CRUZ INTEGRATED SCHOOL
STA. MARIA DISTRICT
Gastrointestinal Tract
1. Mouth: The mouth is where digestion begins. The teeth break down the food into smaller pieces, while the tongue
mixes it with saliva. Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which begins the process of breaking down
carbohydrates. The process of chewing and mixing food with saliva is known as mastication.
2. Pharynx: The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus. It helps move food down into
the esophagus and prevent it from entering the trachea.
3. Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. As food travels down
the esophagus, it is pushed along by rhythmic contractions known as peristalsis.
4. Stomach: The stomach is a muscular sac that mixes food with stomach acid and enzymes to break it down into a
thick liquid called chyme. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid, which helps to kill most of the bacteria in the
food. The enzyme pepsin, which is activated by the acid, breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.
5. Small intestine: The small intestine is a long, narrow tube where most of the nutrients from food are absorbed into
the bloodstream. The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which
increase the surface area for absorption. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine,
including amylase (which continues to break down carbohydrates), lipase (which breaks down fats), and
proteases (which break down proteins). The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released
into the small intestine to help digest fats.
6. Large intestine: The large intestine is a wider tube that absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining liquid,
creating feces. The feces are then eliminated from the body through the anus.
7. Rectum: The rectum is the last part of the large intestine. It stores feces until it is ready to be eliminated from the
body through the anus.
8. Anus: The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract where feces are eliminated from the body.
Overall, the gastrointestinal tract is a complex system that involves the coordinated movement of muscles, the secretion
of digestive juices and enzymes, and the absorption of nutrients to break down and utilize food for energy and bodily
functions.
Accessory Organs
1. Liver: The liver is the largest gland in the body and produces bile, which helps to break down fats in the small
intestine. The liver also plays a role in the metabolism of nutrients and the detoxification of harmful substances.
2. Gallbladder: The gallbladder is a small organ that stores and releases bile into the small intestine when needed to
aid in the digestion of fats.
In summary, the duodenum is responsible for breaking down food into smaller components, the jejunum is
responsible for nutrient absorption, and the ileum is responsible for completing nutrient absorption, reabsorbing water and
electrolytes, and playing a role in the immune system. Together, the three regions of the small intestine play a crucial role
in digestion and nutrient absorption.