Digestive System (CIE IGCSE Biology: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))

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Identifying Organs of the Digestive System

The human digestive system, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

The human digestive system

Organs of the Digestive System: Function

Stages of food breakdown

  • Food taken into the body goes through 5 different stages during its passage through the alimentary canal (the gut):
    • Ingestion - the taking of substances, e.g. food and drink, into the body through the mouth
    • Mechanical digestion - the breakdown of food into smaller pieces without chemical change to the food molecules
    • Chemical digestion - the breakdown of large, insoluble molecules into small, soluble molecules
    • Absorption - the movement of small food molecules and ions through the wall of the intestine into the blood
    • Assimilation - the movement of digested food molecules into the cells of the body where they are used, becoming part of the cells
    • Egestion - the passing out of food that has not been digested or absorbed, as faeces, through the anus

Functions of the Digestive Organs Table

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Emma

Author: Emma

Expertise: Biology

Prior to working at SME, Emma was a Biology teacher for 5 years. During those years she taught three different GCSE exam boards and two A-Level exam boards, gaining a wide range of teaching expertise in the subject. Emma particularly enjoys learning about ecology and conservation. Emma is passionate about making her students achieve the highest possible grades in their exams by creating amazing revision resources!