Digestive System
Why Is Digestion of
Food Necessary?
Digestive
System
The food we eat, for example, rice, bread, vegetables and fruits, cannot be directly
used by our body to get energy.
Why Is Digestion of
Food Necessary?
Digestive
System
The pieces of food are too big to enter the tiny cells of our body. The food must
therefore be broken down into small, simple pieces.
Digestion
Digestive
System
The breaking down of food inside our body is called digestion. The blood takes the
broken down food to all cells of our body.
Digestive System
Digestive
System
Digestion takes place in a number of steps. There are several organs in the body that
help digestion. Together, they make up our digestive system.
Mouth
Digestive
System
Digestion starts in the mouth. The food must be first broken down into smaller
pieces by our teeth when we chew it.
Chewing
Digestive
System
The sharp teeth in front, bite and cut the food into smaller pieces. The back teeth
are flat and help to grind the food into a paste.
Saliva
Digestive
System
The saliva, a digestive juice made by the salivary glands, mixes well with the food
while chewing. This softens the food, so that it can be swallowed easily. Saliva also
starts breaking down starches into simpler soluble substances.
Tongue
Digestive
System
Our tongue helps mix the food with the saliva, and to push the food into
the food pipe.
Food Pipe
Digestive
System
The food goes to the stomach through the food pipe. The stomach muscles
churn the food with more digestive juices.
Stomach
Digestive
System
These juices break down proteins and other substances into simple soluble
substances. The food remains in the stomach for upto three hours.
Small Intestine
Digestive
System
From the stomach, the food goes into a pipe called the small intestine. Here the
food is mixed with more digestive juices and is broken down further. Some of
these juices are produced in the small intestine.
Liver & Pancreas
Digestive
System
Others are produced in other organs such as the liver and pancreas. These juices
complete the digestion of the food.
Small Intestine
Digestive
System
The food is now in a simple soluble form. It is absorbed into the blood through the
walls of the small intestine. The blood takes it to all the cells in the body.
Large Intestine
Digestive
System
Some parts of the food cannot be digested by our body. They pass into the pipe called
the large intestine. Here, water is absorbed from the undigested food. The solid left
behind is thrown out of the body as waste through the opening called anus.
Digestive System
Digestive
System
Good Eating Habits
Digestive
System
Never be in a hurry to finish your food. Chew your food properly before
swallowing it. This makes the digestion of food much easier.
Good Eating Habits
Digestive
System
Rest a while after eating. Your stomach needs oxygen to digest food. If you start
playing, the other organs take away the oxygen and you may get stomach ache.
Good Eating Habits
Digestive
System
Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Besides nutrients, they also have fibre. Your body
cannot digest fibre but it is useful to remove wastes from your body.
Good Eating Habits
Digestive
System
Rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating.
Good Eating Habits
Digestive
System
You should eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
Good Eating Habits
Digestive
System
You must wash your hands well with soap and water before and after
you eat your food.
This presentation is a result of my experiences while I was
helping out my son with his school assignments and project
work. I am happy to share this with other students and their
parents. Hope you find this informative and useful. Thank you.
- Prashant Mahajan -
All pictures belong to their original authors, photographers.

Digestive System