Overview of Digestive System (definitions)

Chemical breakdown of materials by acid and enzymes; mechanical processing through muscular contractions

Dehydration and compaction of undigestible materials in preparation for elimination

Enzymatic digestion and absorption of water, organic substrates, vitamins and ions

Exocrine cells secrete buffers and digestive enzymes; endocrine cells secrete hormones

Mechanical processing, moistening, mixing with salivary secretions

Muscular propulsion of materials into esophagus

Secretion of bile, storage of nutrients, many other functions

Secretion of lubricating fluid containing enzymes that break down carbs

Storage and concentration of bile

Transport of materials to the stomach