DIGESTIVE

SYSTEM
SKELETAL SYSTEM

 The skeletal system

refers to the bones in
the human body.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

 The respiratory
system refers to a
series of organs
involved in taking
oxygen into the body
and releasing carbon
dioxide.
MUSCULAR SYSTEM
 The muscular system
consists of skeletal, smooth
and cardiac muscles.
Muscles allow for the
movement of the human
body, the maintenance of
posture and also for the
circulation of blood
throughout the body.
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
 The circulatory system,
also known as the
cardiovascular system,
permits blood to
circulate around the
body.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
 The nervous system is made
up of a complex network of
nerves and cells that are
responsible for carrying
messages to and from the
brain and spinal cord to the
rest of the body.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
 The digestive system
refers to a series of
organs involved in
converting food into
energy and nutrients that
the body requires.
Body system
 Body systems are a group of organs working together to perform a
certain function.
 The body systems includes the circulatory system, the respiratory
system, the digestive system, the nervous system, the skeletal
system, the muscular system, the excretory system, the
reproductive system, the immune/lymphatic system, and other
organ system in our body.
 Food is any material which contributes
to growth and repair or supplies energy.
 Food plays a central role in the survival
of species. Food gives organisms
energy that enables them to carry out
the many activities they do each day.
 Organisms are able to obtain energy
from the foods they eat through
digestion.
DIGESTION
 Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food
into smaller components that are more easily absorbed into a
blood stream.
 Digestionis a form of catabolism: a breakdown of large food
molecules to smaller ones.
 Digestion of food is carried out by the organs and substances
of the digestive system. During digestion, food is broken
down to smaller parts -- a fraction of which is made up of
nutrients. These nutrients are circulated to the different parts
of the body through the bloodstream and assimilated by cells.
MECHANICAL DIGESTION
 Mechanical digestion involves the breaking
down of food into smaller pieces, pushing food
down the food tube, and mixing it with digestive
juice.
 In humans, digestion starts in the mouth where
food is chewed and broken down to smaller
pieces for easier digestion.
CHEMICAL DIGESTION
 Chemical digestion involves the further breaking down of
the larger molecules of food (which cannot pass through
the plasma membrane of the body cells) into simpler
molecules (which can pass through the cell membrane).
 Initial chemical digestion starts also in the mouth. This is
carried out by enzymes -- molecules that speed up chemical
reactions. Enzymes present in saliva such as amylase helps
break down carbohydrates, which are large complex
molecules, into simpler ones that can be used by the body.
In human beings, food needs to be processed and
absorbed to obtain nutrients. This process consists of
the following five steps:

1. Ingestion: Intake of food.

2. Digestion: Breaking down of food so that it can be
absorbed by the body.
3. Absorption: The process of absorbing food in the
form of nutrients into the blood stream of the body.
In human beings, food needs to be processed and
absorbed to obtain nutrients. This process consists of
the following five steps:

4. Assimilation: The process of nutrients being absorbed by

each cell of the body in the form of energy.
5. Excretion and Egestion: Secretion of waste, unwanted and
excess substances from the body after the food has been
digested.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
 Digestive system provides a means for ingestion (food intake) and
provides structures and enzymes for digestion. It also allows
absorption of soluble food molecules into the bloodstream. While
food is utilized for growth and repair, the large intestine is
involved in egestion (elimination of undigested, unabsorbed
material).
 Almost all animals have a digestive system in which food enters
the mouth, is moved through a long tube, and exits the anus as
feces. The food is broken down into soluble molecules and is
moved rhythmically by the smooth muscle in the walls of the
digestive organs.
 HUMAN
DIGESTIVE
SYSTEM
 The mouth is the first station of the
food. When food enters the mouth,
digestion of the food starts by the
action of mastication or in simpler
terms, chewing is a form of
mechanical digestion, and the wetting
contact of saliva. Saliva, a liquid
secreted by the salivary glands,
contains salivary amylase, an
enzyme which starts the digestion of
starch and carbohydrates in the food.
After undergoing mastication and
starch digestion, the food will be in
the form of a small, round slurry
mass called a bolus.
 The next stations are esophagus
and stomach. Bolus travels by
the action of peristalsis.
 Peristalsis is the process where
muscle contractions in the
esophagus help move the food
down to the stomach.
 To enter the stomach, the bolus
must pass through the lower
esophageal sphincter, a tight
muscle that keeps stomach acid
out of the esophagus.
 Gastric juice in the stomach starts protein
digestion. Gastric juice mainly contains
hydrochloric acid and pepsin. As these two
chemicals may damage the stomach wall,
mucus is secreted by the stomach, providing a
slimy layer that acts as a shield against the
damaging effects of the chemicals. At the same
time protein digestion is occurring, mechanical
mixing occurs by peristalsis, which are waves
of muscular contractions that move along the
stomach wall. This allows the mass of food to
further mix with the digestive enzymes. After
some time (typically 1-2 hours in humans, 4–6
hours in dogs, 3-4 hours in house cats), the
resulting thick liquid is called chyme.
 The digestion of nutrients
in the small intestine takes
place with the help of
three organs that attach to
the small intestine. These
organs are the pancreas,
liver and gall bladder.
 The pancreas makes fluids
that break down every type
of material found in food:
proteins, carbohydrates,
fats and nucleic acids.
 The liver makes and
releases a mixture called
bile that is then stored in
the gall bladder. Bile
breaks up large fat droplets
into very small fat droplets.
 The Small Intestine. It has three parts:
Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum. When the
pyloric sphincter valve opens, chyme enters.
It is where chyme mixes with digestive
enzymes from the pancreas, and then passes
through the small intestine, in which
digestion continues. When the chyme is fully
digested, it is absorbed into the blood, 95% of
absorption of nutrients occurs in the small
intestine. The inside walls of the small
intestine have three features that allow it to
absorb nutrients efficiently: folds, villi and
microvilli.
 First, the walls of the small intestine have many
folds. These folds increase the surface area inside
the intestine wall, creating more room for nutrients
to be absorbed. Each fold is covered with tiny
fingerlike projections called villi. In turn, the villi
are covered with projections called microvilli. Villi
contain blood and lymph vessels that absorb
nutrients from food as it passes through the small
intestine.
 The large intestine. The cecum
is the beginning part of the large
intestine. It is a pouch, usually
peritoneal, that is considered to
be the beginning of the large
intestine. It receives fecal
material from the ileum, and
connects to the ascending colon
of the large intestine. This is
where water and minerals are
reabsorbed back into the blood.
 Ata later stage, kidneys which are part of the
excretory system, plays a part in removing all
types of cellular waste products from the blood in
the form of urine.
 Feceson the other hand, is stored in the rectum
before defecation or egestion. Anus is the last
portion of the rectum.
 How to take care of the digestive
system
1. Eat a high-fiber diet.
2. Be sure you’re getting both soluble and insoluble fiber.
3. Minimize your intake of foods high in fats.
4. Select lean meats.
5. Add probiotics to your diet.
6. Follow a regular eating schedule.
7. Drink plenty of water.
 Common Misconceptions about the
Digestive System
1. Digestion Happens Only in the Stomach
While the stomach is a crucial organ for digestion, the process
begins in the mouth with chewing and saliva breaking down food
and continues in the small intestine where most nutrient absorption
occurs.
2. All Bacteria in the Gut Are Harmful
The gut contains a mix of beneficial and harmful bacteria.
Beneficial bacteria aid in digestion, produce essential nutrients, and
support the immune system.
 Common Misconceptions about the
Digestive System
3. Digestive Issues Are Solely Caused by Food
While diet plays a significant role in digestive health, other
factors such as stress, medications, genetics, and underlying
medical conditions can also contribute to digestive problems.
4. Chewing Gum Takes 7 Years to Digest
This is a common myth; chewing gum is not digested like
food. It usually passes through the digestive system without being
broken down and is eventually expelled from the body.
 Common Misconceptions about the
Digestive System
5. Spicy Food Causes Stomach Ulcers
Spicy food can exacerbate existing ulcers or cause discomfort in some
individuals, but it does not directly cause stomach ulcers. Most ulcers are
caused by bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori) or prolonged use of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
6. Fasting Detoxifies the Body
While intermittent fasting or detox diets may have some benefits, the
idea that they detoxify the body by cleansing the digestive system of toxins
is largely unfounded. The liver and kidneys are primarily responsible for
filtering and eliminating toxins from the body.
 Common Misconceptions about the
Digestive System
7. Everyone Needs to Eat Three Meals a Day
The ideal number of meals varies for everyone. Some people may feel
better with three meals a day, while others may prefer smaller, more
frequent meals or intermittent fasting. It's essential to listen to your body's
hunger and fullness cues.
8. Digestive Enzymes Aid Weight Loss
While digestive enzymes help break down food, there's little evidence to
support the claim that they promote weight loss. Weight loss is primarily
achieved through a combination of a balanced diet, regular physical
activity, and lifestyle changes.
 Common Misconceptions about the
Digestive System
9. Stomach Acid Causes Heartburn
Contrary to popular belief, heartburn is often caused by a weakened
lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allowing stomach acid to reflux into the
esophagus. While excess stomach acid can exacerbate symptoms, it's not
always the primary cause.
10. The Digestive System Works Independently of the Rest of the Body
The digestive system is intricately connected to other bodily systems,
including the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Factors such as
stress, emotions, hormones, and overall health can influence digestive
function.
Common Gastrointestinal Diseases
1. Constipation
 Constipation causes hard-to-pass or infrequent bowel movements. You
may strain or push hard to get your poop out. You can treat your
constipation at home by drinking more water and eating more fiber.
Over-the-counter laxatives can also be helpful.
2. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is where your intestinal muscles
contract more or less often than normal. Abdominal pain, gas and
bloating are common symptoms. Treating IBS can involve changing
your eating habits or taking medication that your provider prescribes.
3. Hemorrhoids
 Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus or rectum. Straining
when having a bowel movement is the most common cause, but
you can get them other ways, too. Avoiding constipation activities
that cause straining can help hemorrhoids. Your healthcare
provider can also remove large, painful or persistent hemorrhoids.
4. Diverticular disease
 Diverticular disease is when small pouches (diverticula) form in
the wall of your large intestine. When they become infected, it’s
called diverticulitis. This can lead to bleeding and bowel
obstruction. Treatment could involve eating more fiber,
taking antibiotics or having surgery.
5. Indigestion (dyspepsia)
 Indigestion (dyspepsia) is stomach pain or discomfort after
eating. It’s very common and typically happens within a few
minutes to a few hours after having a meal. You can usually
relieve your symptoms with an antacid.
6. Colitis
 There are several types of colitis, which are conditions that
cause inflammation of your bowel. Colitis can cause
diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps and urgency
(frequent and immediate need to poop).
7. Gastritis
 Gastritis is inflammation in your stomach lining. You may have
symptoms like loss of appetite, stomach pain or nausea. Infection,
chemicals and autoimmune diseases are common causes. Most
cases of gastritis improve within a few days with over-the-counter
medication.
8. Gastroenteritis
 Gastroenteritis is when inflammation spreads from your stomach
into your intestines. It causes pain, vomiting and diarrhea. It usually
happens when you have a bacterial infection from food poisoning or
a virus like the stomach flu. Most people will have gastroenteritis a
few times during their lives for various reasons.
9. Acid reflux/GERD
 Acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is
when acid from your stomach flows back up into your
esophagus and throat. It causes a burning feeling that can feel
like a sore throat. Medications, changing your eating habits
and surgery are options for treatment.
10. Lactose intolerance
 Lactose intolerance is when your small intestine can’t absorb
lactose, an ingredient in milk and dairy products. It causes
symptoms like diarrhea, bloating and gas. Treatment mainly
involves avoiding foods and beverages that contain lactose.
 Relation of other body system to
digestive system
Body System Relation to Digestive System
Skeletal system The digestive system supplies nutrients
essential for the growth and repair of bones.
Muscular Nutrients from the digestive system fuel muscle
system activity, whether it involves skeletal, smooth, or
cardiac muscle.
Respiratory The digestive system furnishes nutrients to
system support the diaphragm's function in facilitating
breathing.
 Relation of other body system to
digestive system
Body System Relation to Digestive System
Circulatory Nutrients from the digestive system sustain the heart's
system function by providing it with essential substances
necessary for circulation.
Nervous system The digestive system supplies energy for the brain to
carry out cognitive functions and regulate other bodily
systems.

Excretory system The digestive system provides nutrients required for

kidney function in filtering blood and removing waste
products generated by other bodily systems.