home

= The Digestive System - Overview: = The digestive system is a series of connected organs that is responsible for breaking down the foods we eat into small molecules so that all of the cells of the body can absorb and use them for energy, growth and repair. The system consists of a muscular tube, the **digestive tract**, and various **accessory organs.**

The oral cavity (mouth), pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine make up the digestive tract. Accessory digestive organs include the teeth, tongue, and various glandular organs, such as the salavary glands, liver, pancreas and gall bladder, that secrete into ducts emptying into the digestive tract. Food enters the digestive tract and passes along its length. On the way, the secretions of the glandular organs, which contain water, enzymes, buffers, and other components, assist in preparing nutrients for absorption across the epithelium of the digestive tract. //Martini et al (1998) Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology, Fourth Edition//

Click on the link to learn more about the structure and function of the digestive tract: Animation: Organs of Digestion

= Exploring The Digestive System - In Detail: = In assigned groups, you are to research and gather information on your nominated digestive organ(s):
 * @Oral Cavity & Salivary Glands
 * @Oesophagus & Stomach
 * @Small Intestine
 * @Large Intestine
 * @Pancreas & Gall Bladder
 * @Liver

You are to present this information on your nominated wiki page (click on the link listed above or in the navigation menu), which should cover the following:
 * Anatomical structure & location, including a picture and/or diagram
 * Function
 * Links to other useful information (E.g. video footage or websites)
 * Revision questions

Upon completion, groups will be invited to present their wiki page information to the class. Students are to consult other wiki pages and print this information for future reference and/or study.

= Digestive System Problems: = Individually, you are to research and gather information on a digestive system problem nominated by your teacher. For example:
 * Irritable Bowel Syndrome
 * Inflammatory Bowel Disease (E.g. Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease)
 * Diverticulitis
 * Intestinal Polyps
 * Colon Cancer
 * Constipation
 * Pancreatitis
 * Reflux (Heartburn)
 * Gallstones
 * Lactose Intolerance
 * Appendicitis
 * Celiac Disease

You are to present this information on the nominated wiki page **Digestive System Problems** under the corresponding heading, which should cover the following:
 * Brief description of the digestive system problem
 * Associated digestive system organ(s)
 * Causes
 * Signs and symptoms
 * Management and/or treatment

Upon completion, you are to consult the wiki page **'Digestive System Problems'** and print this information for future reference and/or study.

= Need Help? = Click on the help link above to learn more about how to use your wiki.