2. Chapter 13

3. Applied Learning Outcomes
Use the terminology associated with
the digestive system
Learn about the following:
• Organization of the digestive
system
• Structure of the digestive system
organs
• Function of the digestive system
organs
• The digestive process
• Waste production
Understand the aging and pathology
of the digestive system
Chapter 13 – The Digestive System

4. Overview
The digestive system is composed of the digestive tract
and accessory digestive organs.
The digestive tract is
composed of the
mouth, pharynx,
esophagus, stomach,
salivary glands, small
and large intestines,
and rectum.
The digestive system
carries out chemical
and mechanical
digestion.
Chapter 13 – The Digestive System

5. Components of the Digestive Tract
Mouth: Contains the salivary glands, teeth, tonsils, and
tongue
Pharynx: Connects mouth to the esophagus
Esophagus: A muscular tube that leads to the stomach
Stomach: A muscular sac that stores and digests food
Small Intestine: Long, narrow tube that digests and
absorbs food
Large Intestine: Short, wide tube that absorbs water
and electrolytes
Rectum: End of the digestive tract; removes
undigested materials
Chapter 13 – The Digestive System

6. Glandular Structures
The pancreas and liver are glandular organs.
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and
hormones that
regulate blood
glucose levels.
Bile production
is the main
function of the
liver. Bile assists
with fat
digestion.
Chapter 13 – The Digestive System

7. The Digestive Process
• Chemical and mechanical digestion begins in the
mouth
• Peristalsis moves food through the digestive tract
• The stomach uses enzymes and acids to digest
proteins
• Digestion of most food takes place in the proximal
portions of the small intestine
• The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes in
its proximal components; feces are formed in the
distal portions of the large intestine
• The rectum forces feces out of the body through the
anal sphincter
Chapter 13 – The Digestive System

8. Wellness and Illness over
the Life Span
General abdominal pain is a common symptom of
digestive tract disorders.
Diseases of the digestive system have various
origins, including psychological disorders, allergies,
infections, genetic syndromes, and degenerative
changes.
Digestive system gland disorders include cirrhosis,
hepatitis, and pancreatitis.
Aging of the digestive system affects the nutrient
supply to other organ systems.
Most digestive tract aging affects peristalsis.
Chapter 13 – The Digestive System

9. Summary
The digestive system makes it possible for
the body to break down the complex
molecules of food into simple molecules
needed for energy and raw materials to build
cellular components.
The blood then transports these nutrients
throughout the body by absorbing the
digested foods and passing them into the
blood stream.
Diseases and aging of the immune system
decrease the digestive or absorptive
capabilities of the digestive system.
Chapter 13 – The Digestive System