Subjects/Science/The Digestive System
Science•The Human Body

The Digestive System

How our body breaks down and uses food

15 minIncludes video

Learning Objective

Describe the main parts of the digestive system and their functions

The Journey of Food

  1. Mouth: Teeth chew food, saliva starts digestion
  2. Oesophagus: Food pipe, pushes food to stomach
  3. Stomach: Churns food, acid breaks it down
  4. Small intestine: Nutrients absorbed into blood
  5. Large intestine: Water absorbed, waste stored

Types of Teeth

  • Incisors: Cut food (front teeth)
  • Canines: Tear food (pointed teeth)
  • Molars: Grind food (back teeth)

Video: Khan Academy (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

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