Food does not travel through the pancreas. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes. These enzymes pass into the small intestine.
The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. It has many roles, including detoxifying alcohol and helping to keep body temperature at 37 °C.
Food does not pass through the liver. The liver produces bile. Bile passes into the small intestine, where it helps to digest fats.
7. Large intestine zz
z z F Food from the small intestine enters the large intestine.
The major role of the large intestine is to reabsorb water into the blood. It also prepares undigested food to be egested in the form of faeces.
8. Rectum and anus zz
z z Faeces are temporarily stored in the rectum before egestion. Faeces stimulate the rectum to contract and are passed out via the anus. Health of the Digestive System
Like all systems of the body, sometimes the digestive system does not work properly. Problems may arise from: zz
zz zz
Defective genes (genetic disorders and cancers). Poor dietary and lifestyle choices.
Diseases caused by microorganisms (pathogens).
Some common diseases of the digestive system are Crohn’s disease, ulcers and gallstones.
It takes your body around 12 hours to completely digest food after you eat it.
8.2
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Fig. 8.2.5 Gallstones
Health of the human digestive system
Research a disease of the human digestive system. Source and cite information under the following headings:
1. Cause 2. Signs and symptoms
3. Prevention 4. Treatment
Prepare a short presentation for your classmates. 133
