Digestion
the process by which the body breaks down food so that it can be used for energy
Chemical
a substance that has a unique composition and properties; it may exist as a solid, liquid, or gas
Mouth
part of the digestive system that takes food into the body
Stomach
a muscular organ in the body where chemical and mechanical digestion take place
Saliva
a fluid in the mouth that helps digest food
Absorb
to take in matter or energy
Glucose
a carbohydrate; produced by photosynthesis; primary source of energy for some plant and animal cells
Nutrients
a substance such as a fat, a protein, or a carbohydrate that a living thing needs to survive
Esophagus
a muscular tube that helps move food from the mouth to the stomach
Intestine
an organ of the digestive system that removes nutrients and water from digested food: The intestine is made up of two parts: the small intestine and the large intestine.
Muscle
an organ of the muscular system: Muscles can be either voluntary, such as a biceps, or involuntary, such as heart muscle
Liver
an organ of the digestive system that makes chemicals to help the body break down fats and rid itself of harmful substances
Blood Vessels
tubes in the body through which blood flows
Diffusion
dispersion of substances in a gas or liquid
Membrane
a thin, outer layer: In cells, the membrane separates the cell from the outside.
Anus
the opening at the end of the digestive track where feces exit the body
Excretory System
the system of the body responsible for storing and getting rid of waste products, such as urine
Organism
any individual living thing
Chemical Digestion
a substance that has a unique composition and properties; it may exist as a solid, liquid, or gas
Digestive System
a group of seven organs that break down food and absorb the nutrients which the body then uses for fuel