Activity 5: Digestive System

The digestive system is composed of various tissues that work together to break down
food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.

📍Tonsil

The tonsils are lymphoid tissues located on both sides of the back of the throat, composed
of lymphoid tissue and mucous membrane. They play a vital role in the immune system
by trapping and filtering pathogens. This helps to prevent infections from spreading to
other parts of the body.

📍Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a flap-like structure located at the entrance of the larynx, composed of
mucous membrane and connective tissue. It acts as a valve, preventing food and liquids
from entering the trachea and instead directing them into the esophagus for digestion.

📍Ileum

The ileum is the final section of the small intestine, composed of mucous membrane and
connective tissue. It is responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption, with finger-like
projections called villi increasing the surface area for absorption.

📍Duodenum

The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine, composed of mucous membrane
and connective tissue. It is responsible for the initial stages of nutrient absorption, with
the pancreas and bile ducts releasing digestive enzymes and bile to aid in digestion.

📍Esophagus

The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the
stomach, composed of mucous membrane and smooth muscle. It is lined with mucous
membrane that helps to lubricate and protect the passage of food and liquids.

📍Appendix

The appendix is a small, finger-like structure attached to the large intestine, composed of
lymphoid tissue and mucous membrane. Its exact function is still debated, but it is thought
to play a role in the immune system and possibly aid in the digestion of certain nutrients.

📍Tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ located in the mouth, composed of mucous membrane
and skeletal muscle. It plays a crucial role in tasting, chewing, and swallowing food, as
well as aiding in speech and articulation.

📍Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach, composed of exocrine and
endocrine tissue. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin and
glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

📍Esophagus-Stomach Junction

The esophagus-stomach junction is the area where the esophagus meets the stomach,
composed of mucous membrane and smooth muscle. It is lined with mucous membrane
that helps to lubricate and protect the passage of food and liquids from the esophagus
into the stomach.

📍Caecum
The caecum is the first part of the large intestine, composed of mucous membrane and
connective tissue. It is responsible for the initial stages of nutrient absorption and the
storage of waste products before they are eliminated from the body.

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References:

Ogobuiro, I., Gonzales, J., Shumway, K. R., & Tuma, F. (2023, April 8). Physiology,
gastrointestinal. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537103/

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.-a). Digestive system. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/7041-digestive-system