Biology key words

Enzymes and the digestive system

Enzyme All enzymes are proteins, they are a substance produced by a living
organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Oesophagus This is a long, thick muscular tube that connects your mouth to
your stomach. The oesophagus is also recognised as the food pipe because it
carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Stomach The stomach is a muscular sac with an inner layer that produces
enzymes. It is the internal organ which the major part of the digestion of food
occurs. Its role is to store and digest food, especially proteins.
Small intestine The small intestine is composed of a duodenum and ileum, it is
a long muscular tube. Food is further digested by enzymes that are produced by
its walls and by glands that pour their secretions into it.
Large intestine This performs the vital task of absorbing water and vitamins
while converting digested food into faeces.
Rectum The faeces are stored here before being removed by the anus in the
process egestion.
Egestion - The act or process of voiding or discharging undigested food as
faeces.
Salivary glands these glands are situated near the mouth, passing their
secretions via a duct into the mouth. These secretions contain salivary amylase
which breaks down starch into maltose.