UNIT 2 – BIOLOGICAL WORLD Structures of the digestive system
Each system in the human body is made up of a number of different structures that work together. Each structure in the digestive system is adapted to carry out specific functions. Salivary glands
Mouth Oesophagus
Liver
Stomach Pancreas Large intestine Small intestine
)Fig. 6.2 The human digestive system
Mouth
• Food is ingested through the mouth. • The teeth physically digest food and the enzymes in saliva chemically digest it. There are four types of teeth:
Type of tooth Incisors Canines
Premolars Molars
Description
Narrow, sharp teeth at the front of the mouth, similar to chisels
Pointed teeth, often called ‘eye teeth’ Large, rounded teeth
Largest teeth, found at the back of the mouth
• Salivary glands in the mouth secrete saliva onto the food. Saliva softens the food. The enzyme amylase in the saliva chemically digests starch by breaking it down into the sugar maltose.
• Food is swallowed. ? TEST TUBE
2. Use a mirror or camera to identify the four types of teeth in your own mouth. When you next eat, pay attention to how each type of tooth is breaking down the food. Use one word to describe how each of the four types of tooth breaks down food.
3. Why does the physical and chemical breakdown of food have to begin before it is swallowed?
52 Elements of Science Incisors
:Fig. 6.3 The arrangement of human teeth
Molars Premolars Canine Function
Biting, cutting and slicing food Grasping and tearing food
Crushing and grinding food Crushing and grinding food