Digestive System

Question 1

Esophagus

Answer 1

• Tube squeezes food toward the stomach
• Peristalsis - squeezing action that helps food move through digestive system.

Question 2

Stomach

Answer 2

• Hollow, muscular pouch holding food.
• Muscles churn (mix) food.
• Stomach enzymes break food chemically

Question 3

Small Intestine

Answer 3

• Tube absorbing carbohydrates, fats and proteins from foods we eat
• Peristalsis helps move substances through intestines

Question 4

Colon

Answer 4

• Absorbs rest of water, vitamins and minerals from foods we eat
• Contains bacteria to break down food

Question 5

Salivary Glands

Answer 5

• Secrete (make) saliva
• Moistens food to make easier to swallow.
• Contains enzymes to break down food

Question 6

Liver

Answer 6

• Storing energy from food
• Makes bile, chemical that breaks down fats

Question 7

Gallbladder and Pancreas

Answer 7

Gall: Stores bile
Pan: Hormones that control sugar levels in blood

Question 8

Appendicitis

Answer 8

Happens when appendix becomes inflamed (swollen) → very painful

Question 9

Ulcers Causes (when acid burns through)

Answer 9

• Weakened mucosal lining
• Anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. aspirin)
• Smoking
• 80% of ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori, spiral-shaped bacterium living in acidic environment of the stomach

Question 10

Colon Cancer

Answer 10

• 4th most common type of cancer (3rd most common death-causing cancer)
• Starts with benign tumours (polyps), becoming malignant

Question 11

Causes of Colon Cancer

Answer 11

• Genetics and/or viral infections (i.e. HPV)
• Lifestyle causes (diet low in vegetables and fruit, and smoking*)