Teacher’s Synopsis---Grade 6 C.I.

E—The digestive system

MOUTH
The mouth is a cavity formed between the tongue at its base,
cheeks at the side, hard and soft palate in its roof, and teeth
at the front. The teeth tear and grind food, which is then
churned through movements of the jaws and tongue. Breaking
the food into smaller pieces creates a larger surface area for
the action of enzymes in saliva; these begin to digest the food.
SALIVARY GLANDS
These glands produce a mucus-rich fluid, saliva, that moistens
food and so helps form it into a ball, called a bolus that is
easily swallowed. Saliva also contains enzymes that begin the
digestive process. When food enters the mouth, the brain
sends messages to the glands, triggering a rush of saliva. Food
must mix with saliva before it can stimulate the taste buds,
which check that the food is safe to eat.

STOMACH
The stomach is a muscular bag that begins the digestive
process. On entering the stomach, food is mixed with gastric
juices and churned by contractions of muscles in the stomach
wall. Food usually stays in the stomach for about four hours.
By that time, it has become a semi-liquid that can be released
in spurts into the first part of the small intestine.

INSIDE THE STOMACH

When food enters the stomach, glands in its lining release an
enzyme, pepsin. This begins to break down protein in food. The
lining also produces hydrochloric acid, which maintains the
acid environment needed for pepsin to work and kills any
bacteria present.

INTESTINES
The intestines form a continuous tube that is about 8 m (26 ft)
long in adults. Food is pushed along this tube by contractions
of muscles in the intestinal walls. In the small intestine, it is
mixed with enzymes produced by the pancreas and intestinal
lining. It is here that nutrients are absorbed into the
bloodstream. In the large intestine, water is absorbed from the
digestive waste, and the remaining waste is formed into
stools. This passes through the RECTUM and goes out through
the ANUS.

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Worksheet— Grade 6 C.I.E.—The digestive system