Human digestive system: structure and function (photo)

The most important component of the body is the human digestive system , the structure and functions of which are considered a very interesting topic. In fact, it is very important to know how exactly these processes take place in our body. Digestion is no exception. This is the most important process. And about how it happens, you should tell in more detail.

Terminology

To begin with, it is necessary to define the word combination "human digestive system". The structure and functions will be considered after. This is the body of digestive organs. All of them provide the body with various vitamins, substances (in other words, "building material") and energy. All this is vital for the full human existence. Even at the expense of this, tissues and cells are restored and renewed. This process occurs constantly, because all of the above in the process of life is destroyed.

Digestion itself is a process in which chemical and mechanical processing of food takes place. All substances entering the body are split into their constituents, some of which pass through the walls of the digestive canal, and all the rest is recycled.

The digestive channel

This is a very special part of the organs. The total length of this channel is approximately 8-10 meters! This part of the body includes the human digestive system. The structure and functions of the channel also have special features.

Its first component is the oral cavity. Everyone knows what it is. The cavity consists of salivary glands, tongue and teeth. It is there that the food is crushed. Also, due to the language receptors, a person feels the taste and temperature of consumed food or drink. Thanks to the language and saliva, so-called food clots are formed, which then go to the throat. This, in turn, is a funnel-shaped organ, which is the connecting element between the esophagus and the oral cavity. The pharynx promotes the pushing of food, but this occurs at the reflex level.

Esophagus also includes the digestive system. The structure and its functions are very specific. Esophagus is a long 25-centimeter tube, the upper part of which consists of striated muscle tissue. The lower one is made of smooth. And most importantly, the esophagus is the place through which the processed food enters the stomach.

Splitting food

These are the most important components that the human digestive system has. They have the appropriate functions. The stomach is an enlarged part of the canal. It contains glands that produce gastric juice. It contributes to the rapid breakdown of food. This is the main function of the stomach - to digest food. But this is not all organs that includes the human digestive system.

The functions of splitting food help to perform also the liver. And more pancreas. It is the liver that produces bile, which helps digest food. A pancreas secretes special enzymes, also "helping" the bile. They promote the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

The last stage of the process of digestion

And finally, the intestines. Without it, the human digestive system can not exist. The structure and functions (photos are presented in the article) of the intestine are also special. Firstly, its length is about 4 meters. Secondly, it is in the intestine (more precisely, in the 12-colon) opens the ducts of the gallbladder. It should be remembered that there is a small and large intestine. The first of these is the longest component of the digestive system. The small intestine has villi, and it is through them that the absorption of nutrients is carried out. The fat produces a special mucus. Thanks to it, the fiber is broken down.

The intestine ends in the rectum. It ends with an anal opening. It is through it that the undigested remains of food are removed from the body.

About functions

A lot of important processes are performed by the human digestive system. The structure and functions of the splinechnology for all of its existence have already been studied in some detail. This science, more precisely, specialized scientists in this field have already managed to give not only a detailed definition of this system, but also to formulate special terms. Separately it is worth noting how it was decided to call the functions of the digestive system.

So, there are only three of them. The first is motor-mechanical. As you can guess, it means grinding, as well as the subsequent movement of food. The second function is secretory. All the organs that make up the system produce enzymes, juices and bile - all this improves and speeds up the process of food processing. And finally, the third one is suction. Food, passing through the digestive system, is split, and the useful elements in it (minerals, vitamins, proteins, etc.) - penetrate into the blood.

Enzymes

On this topic, attention should be focused. The human digestive system (functions, structure was discussed above) is a very complex and multifaceted part of our body. It was previously mentioned in passing that it contains enzymes that affect the breakdown of food. Now let's talk about these substances in more detail and list them all.

Amylase cleaves glycogen and starch from which maltose is formed. It, in turn, is processed by maltase. And in the end two glucose molecules are obtained. The enumerated enzymes are salivary.

The formation of enzymes of vital substances

Pepsin and chymosin are contained in the stomach. Proteins are cleaved, after which peptides are formed. The pancreas contains trypsin, which processes these very peptides. As a result, amino acids are produced. Amylase and lipase break down fats and starch.

The gallbladder and liver contain salts, due to which digestive enzymes are activated, and fats are emulsified. And finally, a few words should be said about the enzymes of the small intestine. They are there a lot: maltase, lactase, phosphatase, sugar sugar ... They split a lot of different substances, resulting in vital elements that are vital for the body. This is glucose, fructose and free phosphate.

The issue of health

This is the last topic to be touched upon, telling what the human digestive system is. Anatomy is a science that has thoroughly studied the human body and its specifics. And scientists who are professionals in this field, advise all people to monitor their health. The digestive system also needs to be cared for, since it works constantly.

It is advisable to stop smoking. Thousands of chemical toxins enter the body, cheb causes irritation of the stomach. In this regard, gastritis, heartburn and ulcer can develop.

It is also very important not to be nervous. When a person experiences stress, the gastrointestinal tract starts to work more slowly. As a consequence, the appetite disappears, and vital substances and vitamins stop getting into the body.

Alcohol - here even comments are not needed. The liver, pancreas, kidneys - all this is destroyed. And the metabolism slows down. The same is due to fast food. This is a very harmful food, which inexorably ruins our gastrointestinal tract.

A sedentary lifestyle, too fast absorption of food, swallowing whole pieces, harmful foods that do not contain vitamins and fiber, too fatty, salty, hot, or too cold food - all this also has a negative effect on the digestive system. And if you can not keep track of it the way you need, then at least bring useful foods to your diet. Fruits, sour-milk products, mineral water, vegetables - all this will help improve the intestinal microflora and metabolism. And of course, it is important that all products and dishes are clean. Hygiene is above all.