DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Its Parts and Functions

For SCIENCE Grade 8
Quarter 4 / Week 1

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 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit will guide the students in

learning about the digestive system and the crucial
role it plays in providing the body with nutrients for
energy.

In this learning kit, the students’ knowledge

about the levels of organization in an organism is
necessary in learning how the certain organ systems
work together and the processes they undertake to
keep the state of balance within the body. Further,
this provides learners’ understanding about the four
major functions of the digestive system that include
ingestion of food, digestion of food, absorption of
nutrients, and elimination of waste materials.

The writer hopes that after going through the

tasks of this kit, the learners will be fully equipped with
the essential knowledge necessary for explaining the
process of digestion.

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OBJECTIVES:
K: Identify the different organs that make up the
digestive system and the functions each organ play.
S: Draw and label the parts of the digestive system.
A: Cite the importance of knowing the parts and
functions of the organs that comprise the digestive
system.

LEARNING COMPETENCY
Explain ingestion, absorption, assimilation, and
excretion. S8LTIVa-13

I. WHAT HAPPENED

Oh, it’s already Believe it or not, your

lunchtime and I smell digestive system is already
a tasty food! Just at work! Now, let us learn
thinking about what all about the digestive
to eat. system. Enjoy!

https://tinyurl.com/y5g4j8rl
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PRE-ACTIVITIES/PRE-TEST:
FIND ME!
DIRECTIONS:Find the ten (10) words from the human digestive system
word puzzle below. Write only the words in your notebook.

S T U R E S D T E O P S T E A

R E P I S M O U T H A O R A B

R S A A T A E R E A R R R A B

A O N S U L E T E R D S U B I

A P C T V L S S R S S T L T L

L A R G E I N T E S T I N E

P S E U C I A S A S T I V E N

R S A O C N A I A T O N E S Z

S U S T S T D S U A M U R T Y

S P E A R E S O P H A G U S M

T P O A T S S A I A C D A S E

A S R E C T U M U R H A A D S

R R A R T I H S A D C R H E O

S E A T U N H S S R S T L C O

D B N U V E T U T S S T N R N

Figure 1: The Human Digestive System Word Puzzle

1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
4. _____________________________
5. _____________________________
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6. _____________________________
7. _____________________________
8. _____________________________
9. _____________________________
10. ____________________________
DRAW AND TELL.
DIRECTIONS: Draw the figure of the structure of the human digestive
system in your notebook and label the parts. Use the words found inside
the box in labeling your drawing.

WORD BANK

large intestine stomach

small intestine rectum
esophagus pancreas
mouth liver

1.

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bfs-dsactivity.html
2.

3.
5.

6.

7.
4.

8.

Image Source: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bfs-dsactivity.html

Figure 2: Structure of the Human Digestive System

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II. WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

The Digestive System

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y3s2jjtx

Figure 3: The Human Digestive Tract

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Digestion

Digestion refers to the breakdown of food into smaller

components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. This digestion
or catabolism is divided into two types, the mechanical digestion that
occurs in the mouth when food is physically broken up into smaller
pieces and the chemical digestion that takes place in the
gastrointestinal tract when the digestive enzymes break down the food
into small molecules (Mandal, 2019).

Role of Digestion

Provide energy and necessary nutrients for bodily processes such

as:
• Movement
• Growth
• Repair
• Reproduction

Parts of Digestive System

1. The Mouth

Each species of organisms has its own way of digesting food.

Digestion in human starts in the mouth where food is chewed and
broken down to smaller pieces for easier digestion. This is so called
mechanical digestion. Initial chemical digestion starts also in the
mouth. This is carried out by molecules that speed up chemical
reactions called enzymes. Amylase, an enzyme present in saliva helps
break down carbohydrates, which are large complex molecules, into
simple ones that can be used by the body.

2. The Pharynx

The pharynx muscular walls function in the process of swallowing,

and it serves as a pathway for the movement of food from the mouth
to the esophagus. The constrictive circular muscles of the pharynx’s
outer layer play a big role in peristalsis. A series of contractions will help
propel ingested food and drink down the intestinal tract safely. The
inner layer’s longitudinal muscles, on the other hand, will widen the

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pharynx laterally and lift it upward, thus allowing the swallowing of
ingested food and drink.

3. The Esophagus

Approximately, the esophagus is 20 cm long. Its functions include

secreting mucus and moving food from the throat to the stomach using
muscle movement called peristalsis.

4. The Stomach

The stomach is a J-shaped muscular bag that stores the food

and breaks it down into tiny pieces. It mixes food with gastric juices that
contain enzymes to break down proteins and lipids. Hydrochloric acid
in the stomach kills bacteria. Food found in the stomach is called
chyme.

5. The Small Intestine

The small intestine is a little over 5 meters long and lies in the
abdominal cavity surrounded by the large intestine. In the small
intestine, the chemical digestion of food is completed and most of the
absorption of nutrients takes place. Lining of intestine walls has finger-
like projections called villi, to increase surface area.

The small intestine comprises three main sections continuous with

each other:

a. The duodenum. The duodenum

is the first part of the small
intestine. It is located between the
stomach part of the small intestine, or
jejunum. After foods mix
with stomach acid, they move
into the duodenum, where they mix
with bile from the gallbladder and
digestive juices from the
pancreas. The absorption of vitamins,
minerals, and other nutrients
begins in the duodenum.
Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y3mfw5rs
Figure 4: The Small Intestine

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b.The jejunum. It is the middle section of the small intestine and is
about 2 meters long. The main function of the jejunum is
absorption of important nutrients such as sugars, fatty
acids, and amino acids.

c. The ileum. The ileum is the last part of the small intestine. It connects
to the cecum (first part of the large intestine) and helps to further digest
food coming from the stomach and other parts of the small intestine. In
addition, ileum absorbs nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates,
fats, proteins) and water from food so they can be used by the body.

6. The Large Intestine

In the large intestine

Image Source: https://tinyurl.com/y3rm3kvq
Figure 5: The Large Intestine
absorption of water continues
until the familiar semisolid
consistency of feces is achieved.
Mineral salts, vitamins, and some
drugs are also absorbed into the
blood capillaries from the large
intestine. The entire colon is about
5 feet (150 cm) long, and is
divided into five major segments.
The rectum is the last anatomic
segment before the anus. The
ascending and descending colon
are supported by peritoneal folds
called mesentery. The right colon
consists of the cecum, ascending
colon, hepatic flexure and the
right half of the transverse colon.
The left colon consists of the left
half of thetransverse colon,
splenic flexure,
descending colon, and sigmoid.
See figure 5.

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7. The Rectum and the Anal Canal

The rectum is a straight, 8-inch chamber that connects the colon

to the anus. The rectum's job is to receive stool from the colon, let you
know that there is stool to be evacuated (pooped out) and to hold the
stool until evacuation happens. When anything (gas or stool) comes
into the rectum, sensors send a message to the brain. The brain then
decides if the rectal contents can be released or not.

The anus is the last part of the digestive tract. It is a 2-inch long
canal consisting of the pelvic floor muscles and the two anal sphincters
(internal and external). The lining of the upper anus is able to detect
rectal contents. It lets you know whether the contents are liquid, gas or
solid.

Accessory Organs of The Human Digestive System

1. The Teeth

The teeth are responsible for the mechanical digestion of food in

the mouth – a process called mastication. Our teeth are classified into
four types and each performs specific functions. The chisel-shaped
frontal teeth are called incisors which is specialized in cutting. The fang-
like teeth are called canine and are best for piercing and tearing. The
premolars and molars are the teeth responsible for crushing and
grinding.

2. The Salivary Glands

Salivary glands are present in the oral cavity and pour their
secretions into the mouth. Saliva is the combined secretions from the
salivary glands and the small mucus-secreting glands of the lining of the
oral cavity. About 1.5 liters of saliva is produced daily. Salivary glands
and saliva work as chemical digestion of polysaccharides. Saliva
contains the enzyme amylase that begins the breakdown of complex
sugars, reducing them to the disaccharide maltose. Dry food entering
the mouth is moistened and lubricated by saliva before it can be made
into a bolus ready for swallowing.

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3. The Pancreas

A healthy pancreas produces the correct chemicals in the

proper quantities, at the right times, to digest the foods we eat. As part
of the exocrine system, the pancreas secretes enzymes that work in
tandem with bile from the liver and gallbladder to help break down
substances for proper digestion and absorption. These enzymes include
trypsin and chymotrypsin to digest proteins; amylase for the digestion
of carbohydrates; and lipase to break down fats.

4. The Liver

The liver is the largest gland in the body, weighing between 1

and 2.3 kg. It is situated in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. The
liver directly affects digestion by producing bile. Bile helps digest fat.

5. Gall bladder

The gall bladder is a small, thin-walled sac located beneath the

liver. This organ stores and concentrates the bile produced in the liver
which will be then used in the digestion of lipids.

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 HOW DIGESTION WORKS
Digestion is the process by which the gastrointestinal system
retrieves important nutrients for the body and chemically changes the
unused food into waste. The first step of digestion is mastication or the
chewing of food in the mouth. Saliva initiates digestion and changes the
chewed food into a soft mass called bolus. Bolus is made slippery by
saliva, making it easier to be swallowed and slip down the back of the
throat and esophagus. Before it enters the stomach, the bolus passes
through the esophageal sphincter. Hydrochloric acid is released inside
the stomach that causes to break down large food molecules into
smaller ones and liquefies the bolus. The liquefied bolus, now called
chime, then passes through the pyloric sphincter and enters the first
section of the small intestine, the duodenum. It is here that enzymes
released from the pancreas, liver and gallbladder further breakdown
chime into elements that can be easily absorbed and used by the body.
The small intestine is lined with a heavily folded inner mucosa and small
fingerlike projections called villi. The villi permit digested food to enter
the bloodstream. All nutrients and vitamins are absorbed here in the
small intestine. Chime can travel through up to 20 feet of small intestine
before it passes through the ileocecal valve to enter the large intestine.
A very little digestion occurs in the large intestine. Waste is formed from
the deposits of undigested food in the large intestine. As the waste
passes through the large intestine, it becomes more and more solid
because of the water that is continuously being reabsorbed from the
waste. Waste deposits in the rectum, or end of the large intestine, until
the brain signals for it to be expelled from the body (Ahsan, 2015).

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 III. WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
EVALUATION/POST-TEST:

A. MULTIPLE CHOICE
DIRECTIONS: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter that
corresponds to the correct answer in your notebook.

1. What is the main function of the digestive system?

A. Hold and receive food.
B. Break the food down to be used for energy.
C. Control the chemical activities of the body.
D. Remove excess water from the body.

2. The portions of the small intestines in ascending order would be:

A. Ileum, jejunum, duodenum
B. Duodenum, ileum, jejunum
C. Duodenum, jejunum, ileum
D. Jejunum, ileum, duodenum

3. Which of the following is the correct order of organs by which food

passes?
A. Stomach – Jejunum – Large intestines – Anus
A. Pharynx – Stomach – Large intestines – Small Intestines
C. Duodenum – Stomach – Large intestines – Anus
D. Rectum – Anus – Large intestines – Small intestines

4. Where does the digestive process begin?

A. stomach B. esophagus C. pharynx D. mouth

5. When reaching the stomach, what do food particles combine with?

A. mucus B. bile C. saliva D. gastric juices

6. Where is bile made?

A. stomach B. liver C. duodenum D. gallbladder

7. What tube moves food from your throat to your stomach and is
behind the trachea?
A. larynx B. epiglottis C. esophagus D. Pharynx

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8. Which of the following is NOT a function of the digestive system?
A. ingestion B. digestion C. absorption D. protection
9. The accessory digestive organs include all the following, EXCEPT
A. teeth B. liver C. stomach D. pancreas
10. The muscles of the esophagus squeeze the food downward through
the process of ___________.
A. gravity B. rugae C. peristalsis D. chyme

B. BREAK IT DOWN.
DIRECTIONS: Trace the path of food in the gastrointestinal tract or
digestive tract (including accessory organs) by labeling the parts as
shown in the figure below. Write the answers in your notebook. (Do not
copy the image.)

2.
1.

2.
3.

3.

5. 4.
4.

6.
7.
5.

6. 8.
9.
7.

4.
10.
8.
9. 11.

14 https://tinyurl.com/y25joq5j
REFERENCES
Books, Journals and Websites
Ahsan, Mahti. 2015. “Digestive System”. Accessed January
10, 2021.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281862416_
DIGESTIVE_SYSTE M_Mahti_Ahsan
Campo, Pia C., Chavez, May R., Catalan, Maria Helen D.H.,
Catris, Leticia V., Ferido, Marlene B., Fonatanilla, Ian
Kendrich C., Gutierrez, Jacqueline Rose M., et al. Science
8 Learner’s Module. Philippines: Vibal Publishing House, Inc.,
2013.
gardencity.k12.ny.us. n.d. “The Digestive System Organs and
Functions”. Accessed January 10, 2021.
https://www.gardencity.k12.ny.us/cms/lib/NY01913305/
Centricity/Dom ain/586/Digestive%20System%20Notes.pdf
Mandal, Ananya, MD. 2019. “What is Digestion?”. Accessed
January 10, 2021. https://www.news-
medical.net/health/What-is-Digestion.aspx
microbenotes.com. 2020. “The Human Digestive System-
Organs, Functions and Diagram.” Accessed January 10,
2021. https://microbenotes.com/the- human-digestive-
system-organs-and-functions/
newfane.wnyric.org. n.d. “The Digestive System”. Accessed
January 10, 2021.
https://www.newfane.wnyric.org/cms/lib/NY01001283/
Centricity/Domai n/136/digestive.pdf

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 Clip Arts and Images
commons.wikimedia.org. 2013. “Small Intestine”. Accessed
January 10, 2021.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blausen_0817_
SmallIntestine_A natomy.png
commons.wikimedia.org. 2013. “The Large Intestine”.
Accessed January 10, 2
021.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blausen_06
04_LargeIntestin e2.png
en.wikipedia.org. 2006. “diagram of a human digestive
system”. Accessed January 10, 2021.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Digestive_system_diag
ram_edit.svg
freepik.com. n.d. “Couple of children talking among
themselves Premium Vector”. Accessed January 10, 2021.
https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/couple-
children-talking- among- themselves_4459487.htm
kidshealth.org. n.d. “How the body works”. Accessed
January 09, 2021. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bfs-
dsactivity.html

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 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

FAY C. LUAREZ, TM, Ed.D., Ph.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

NILITA L. RAGAY, Ed.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ARNOLD R. JUNGCO
PSDS - Division Science Coordinator

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)
ROLAN C. EULLARAN
Writer
KEENJI L. ARMENTANO
Lay-out Artist
_________________________________
ALPHA QA TEAM
MA. ALETTA AARONA R. GAJELOMO
JUSTIN PAUL ARSENIO C. KINAMOT
MIEL C. PACULANANG
PETER PAUL A. PATRON
LYN-NO A. REGALADO

BETA QA TEAM
LIEZEL A. AGOR
JOAN Y. BUBULI
LIELIN A. DE LA CERNA
PETER PAUL A. PATRON
THOMAS JOGIE U. TOLEDO
DISCLAIMER

The information, activities and assessments used in this material are designed to provide accessible learning
modality to the teachers and learners of the Division of Negros Oriental. The contents of this module are carefully
researched, chosen, and evaluated to comply with the set learning competencies. The writers and evaluator were clearly
instructed to give credits to information and illustrations used to substantiate this material. All content is subject to copyright
and may not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent from the division.

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SYNOPSIS
6. gallbladder
5. liver 11. anus
4. stomach 10. rectum
3. esophagus 9. large intestine
This Self Learning Kit (SLK) is 2. salivary glands 8. small intestine

designed to help learners in

1. mouth 7. pancreas
B. BREAK IT DOWN!
understanding the topics in 5. D 10. C

Science 8 particularly on the

4. D 9. C
3. A 8. D
learning competency explain 2. C
1. B
7. B
6. B
ingestion, absorption, assimilation, A. MULTIPLE CHOICE

and excretion. POST TEST

May you have fun learning

8. rectum 4. large intestine
7. small intestine 3. liver
the different organs that make up 6. pancreas 2. esophagus

the human digestive system and

5. stomach 1. mouth
DRAW AND TELL
enjoy discovering the importance 10. stomach 5. liver

of knowing the parts and

9. rectum 4. small intestine
8. esophagus 3. large intestine
functions of the organs that 7. enzymes
6. bile
2. mouth
1. pancreas
comprise the digestive system. FIND ME!
PRE-TEST
ANSWER KEY

BACKGROUND OF THE WRITER AND

ILLUSTRATOR/LAY-OUT ARTIST

ROLAN CATIPAY EULLARAN is a Secondary

School Teacher III of Sibulan NHS – Balugo
Extension, Balugo, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
He obtained Bachelor of Secondary
Education major in General Science at
Central Visayas Polytechnic College,
Dumaguete City (now Negros Oriental
State University). He graduated Master of
Arts in Education major in Science at
Foundation University, Dumaguete City. He
is also a District Science Coordinator of
Sibulan 2.

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