Question

Briefly describe the path of food through the digestive system and explain each organ’s role in the digestive process. Research two digestive dysfunctions that can occur and discuss how each of them could impact a person’s health.

Answer 1

PATH OF FOOD THROUGH DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND ITS FUNCTIONS:

The food path begins at mouth, then passes to pharynx, to esophagus, stomach, small intestine and then to large intestine (anus) where process ends.

• Mouth --It consists of teeth, where mastication is done (mechanical break down). The tongue helps in chewing and the salivary glands pours their secretion into mouth, which helps in chemical digestion and lubrication
• Pharynx --- mixing of saliva and food, Helps in swallowing of food down to esophagus,
• Esophagus --- formation of bolus  
• Stomach ----Chemical digestion , mechanical breakdown with the help of gastric juices., production of intrinsic factor, limited absorption
• Small intestine --- completion of chemical digestion of carbs, proteins and fats. secretion of hormones, absorption of nutrients, secretion of intestinal juice.
• Large intestine --- functions are absorption, mass movement, microbial activity and defaecation.

                                   Along with these organs, pancreas, gall bladder and liver also has a role in digestion by secreting the respective substances used for digestion.