Mouth- contains saliva and salivary amylase to soften food simultaneously while mastication takes place, forming a bolus. Oesophagus- muscular tube through which food moves down via peristalsis. Stomach- contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes to break down food into smaller constituent molecules which can be used by the body. Liver- produces bile, which emulsifies fats, making them smaller and increases the surface area for enzymes to act on. Pancreas- produces pancreatic juice, which contains several enzymes to break down food further. Duodenum- Where chyme is mixed with bile and pancreatic juice. Ileum- involved in the absorption of nutrients such as amino acids, glucose and fatty acids, and contains microvilli to increase the surface area for this absorption. Large intestine/ colon- mainly involved in the absorption of water. Rectum- stores faeces until defecation Anus- contains sphincter muscles, which dilate during defecation, for removal of faeces from the body.

Aug 3 2025 - 8:11 PM