Hey there, 4th graders! Let's learn about the digestive system - the system in your body that breaks down your food into tiny pieces your body can use for energy and growth. We'll explore each part of this amazing system and see how they all work together. Get ready to discover all the cool things your digestive system can do!

The digestive system is made up of several different organs and parts that work together to break down your food into tiny pieces that your body can use. We'll learn about each part of the digestive system and how they all work together to turn your food into fuel for your body.

Are you ready to explore the amazing world of digestion? Let's dive in and discover all the cool things your digestive system can do!

Introduction  to the Digestive system 

The Function of the Digestive system

The digestive system has two important functions: 

-It breaks down the food you eat into tiny pieces your body can use for energy

-It gets rid of the parts of food your body can't use as waste 

Imagine your digestive system like a big machine that takes in food and turns it into the energy and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong. Every part of this machine has a special job to do, and together they make sure your body is fueled and ready for anything!

When the first piece of the food you eat goes into your mouth your mouth with mechanically breakdown the food so it is easier to  digest it later on. The food with go  through the pharynx or the throat then the esophagus when it reaches the stomach it starts to chemically breakdown and it makes its way to be absorbed in the small intestines. Then after that it goes into the large intestines through the anal canal to the anus and then you release the waste as a stool.

Pathway of the Food in your Body 

Mouth- It is used for eating and mechanically breaking down food.

it has lips, a tounge, teeth and salivary glands.

Esophagus- moves food to the stomach

it has a cervical esophagus, thoracic esophagus, and an abdominal esophagus.

Stomach- holds food and mixes it with acid to help chemically breakdown the food.

it has the fundus, the cardia and the antrum 

Small intestines- helps further digest the food.

it has the duodenum,  the jejunum and the ileum.

Large intestines- absorbs water and changes waste from liquid to stool.

it has the cecum, the colon, the rectum and the anal canal

Pancreas-makes pancreatic enzymes

it has a head, neck, body and tail.

Enzymes- breaking food down

it is consisted of amino acids linked together in one or more polypeptide chains.

proteins and Lipids-proteins breakdown carbs and fat and lipids disperse food particles

protein have amino acids and lipids have glycerol, fatty acids and phosphate groups.

Liver-make and secret bile

they have 2 main lobes an both have 8 segments and have 1000 lobules.

Anus- make healthy bowel movements

it has the anal canal and rectum.

Galbladder- stores an concentrates bile from the liver

it has a fundus, a body and a neck.

GERD is when stomach acid goes up into the esophagus and causes problems like heartburn and chest pain. This happens because of a weak muscle in the digestive system. People can get help with lifestyle changes, medicine, or surgery.

GERD is caused by a weak muscle in the lower part of the esophagus. This can happen because of obesity, smoking, pregnancy, certain foods, and certain medications. When the muscle is weak, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus and cause problems 

GERD symptoms include heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and chronic cough or wheezing. If you have these symptoms often, see a doctor to find out if you have GERD.

GERD can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. Avoiding certain foods and not lying down after eating can help. Medicine can reduce stomach acid. Surgery is rare.

 Digestive System Disease -GERD 

And with that, our journey through the digestive system has come to an end! We hope you had fun learning about how your food travels through your body and how important it is to eat healthy to keep your digestive system happy. Remember to always listen to your body and give it the fuel it needs to stay strong and healthy. And who knows, maybe one day you'll become a scientist and discover even more amazing things about the human body! Until then, happy exploring!

"Happy Exploring: The End of Our Adventure Through the Digestive System!"