Digestive System – Revision Notes
1. What is Digestion?
• Definition: Digestion is the process of breaking down complex food substances into simpler,
soluble forms that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.
• Need: Large molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) cannot be absorbed directly; they
must be broken down into simple molecules like glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and
glycerol.
2. Components of Digestive System
• Alimentary Canal
• Digestive Glands
A. Alimentary Canal
It is a long muscular tube starting from the mouth and ending at the anus.
Parts:
1. Mouth and Buccal Cavity
• Functions:
o Ingestion (intake of food)
o Mechanical breakdown by teeth
o Mixing food with saliva
• Teeth:
o Types of Teeth in Humans (Heterodont Dentition):
▪ Incisors (I): Cutting and biting
▪ Canines (C): Tearing
▪ Premolars (PM): Crushing and grinding
▪ Molars (M): Grinding food
o Dental Formula (Adults):
▪ 2:1:2:3/2:1:2:3
▪ Total = 32 teeth
o Milk Teeth: Temporary teeth (20 in number)
o Permanent Teeth: Replace milk teeth (32 in number)
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Structure of Tooth:
• Crown: Visible part above gum, covered by enamel (hardest substance in body).
• Neck: Junction between crown and root.
• Root: Fixed in jawbone.
• Layers of Tooth:
o Enamel: Hard, white outer layer
o Dentine: Bone-like layer beneath enamel
o Pulp Cavity: Contains nerves and blood vessels
2. Tongue
• Functions: Tasting, mixing food with saliva, swallowing, speech.
3. Saliva and Salivary Glands
• Saliva: Secreted by salivary glands; contains salivary amylase (ptyalin) which converts starch
→ maltose.
4. Pharynx and Oesophagus
• Food moves to stomach through oesophagus by peristalsis (wave-like muscle contraction).
5. Stomach
• Bag-like organ; secretes gastric juice:
o HCl: Kills bacteria, acidic medium
o Pepsin: Proteins → Peptides
o Mucus: Protects stomach lining
6. Small Intestine (6 m long)
• Duodenum: Receives bile and pancreatic juice
• Jejunum & Ileum: Site of digestion and absorption
• Secretions:
o Bile (Liver): Emulsifies fats
o Pancreatic Juice:
▪ Amylase → starch → maltose
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▪ Trypsin → proteins → peptides
▪ Lipase → fats → fatty acids + glycerol
o Intestinal Juice: Completes digestion
7. Large Intestine
• Absorbs water and salts; forms faeces.
8. Rectum and Anus
• Stores and eliminates undigested food (egestion).
B. Digestive Glands
• Salivary Glands: Produce saliva
• Liver: Produces bile (stored in gall bladder)
• Pancreas: Produces pancreatic juice
3. Types of Digestion
• Mechanical: Chewing, churning
• Chemical: Enzymatic breakdown
4. Digestion of Food
• Carbohydrates: Starch → Maltose → Glucose
• Proteins: Proteins → Peptides → Amino acids
• Fats: Fats → Fatty acids + Glycerol
5. Absorption and Assimilation
• Absorption: Digested food absorbed by villi in small intestine
• Assimilation: Nutrients transported to body cells
6. Egestion
• Removal of undigested food through anus.
7. Importance of Digestive System
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• Provides energy for body functions
• Supplies nutrients for growth and repair
8. Common Disorders
• Diarrhoea: Watery stools
• Constipation: Difficulty in passing stool
• Indigestion: Improper digestion
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