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Digestive: Difference between revisions
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== Organs of the Digestive System == | == Organs of the Digestive System == | ||
The digestive system consists of several organs that work together to break down and process food. These organs include: | *The digestive system consists of several organs that work together to break down and process food. These organs include: | ||
[[Mouth]]: The mouth is responsible for breaking down food into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. The tongue and teeth work together to chew food and mix it with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the process of chemical digestion. | *[[Mouth]]: The mouth is responsible for breaking down food into smaller pieces through mechanical digestion. The tongue and teeth work together to chew food and mix it with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the process of chemical digestion. | ||
*[[Esophagus]]: The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach through a series of contractions called peristalsis. | *[[Esophagus]]: The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach through a series of contractions called peristalsis. | ||
*[[Stomach]]: The stomach is a muscular sac that mixes and grinds food with digestive juices, breaking it down into a liquid called chyme. The stomach also releases enzymes that further break down proteins. | *[[Stomach]]: The stomach is a muscular sac that mixes and grinds food with digestive juices, breaking it down into a liquid called chyme. The stomach also releases enzymes that further break down proteins. | ||
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== Digestive Processes == | == Digestive Processes == | ||
The digestive system uses several processes to break down food into nutrients and waste products. These processes include: | *The digestive system uses several processes to break down food into nutrients and waste products. These processes include: | ||
*[[Mechanical digestion]]: This process involves physically breaking down food into smaller pieces through chewing and mixing with digestive juices. | *[[Mechanical digestion]]: This process involves physically breaking down food into smaller pieces through chewing and mixing with digestive juices. | ||
*[[Chemical digestion]]: This process involves breaking down food into its molecular components through the use of enzymes and other chemicals. | *[[Chemical digestion]]: This process involves breaking down food into its molecular components through the use of enzymes and other chemicals. | ||
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== Common Digestive Problems == | == Common Digestive Problems == | ||
The digestive system is prone to several problems that can interfere with its proper functioning. Some of the most common digestive problems include: | *The digestive system is prone to several problems that can interfere with its proper functioning. Some of the most common digestive problems include: | ||
*[[Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)]]: This condition occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. | *[[Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)]]: This condition occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. | ||
*[[Peptic ulcer]]: This condition occurs when the lining of the stomach or small intestine is damaged, leading to pain and discomfort. | *[[Peptic ulcer]]: This condition occurs when the lining of the stomach or small intestine is damaged, leading to pain and discomfort. | ||
