Human Body Systems: Digestion, Excretion, and Nervous System

Explain the process of nutrient absorption

The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder assist with digestion in the small intestine. The large intestine removes water and converts food waste into feces.

Digestive system functions

• Tongue: Pushes food down the pharynx.
• Salivary glands: Produce saliva which helps break down food particles.
• Pancreas: Produces enzymes that aid digestion.
• Liver: Produces bile.
• Gallbladder: Stores bile.

Waste removal processes

1. Production of sweat.
2. Exhalation of carbon dioxide.
3. Production of urine and feces.

Excretory system labels and functions

• Kidneys: Remove waste from the bloodstream.
• Ureter: Connects the kidneys to the bladder.
• Bladder: Stores urine.
• Urethra: Exits urine from the body.

Brain anatomy and functions

• Cerebrum: Controls movements and assists with thinking and problem-solving.
• Brain stem: Connects the brain to the spinal cord.
• Cerebellum: Processes information.

Neuron structure

• Dendrites
• Cell body
• Nucleus
• Myelin sheath
• Axon
• Axon terminals

Nervous system terminology

• Axon: Long fiber that carries nerve impulses.
• Nerve: A bundle of axons.
• Synapse: Connection between adjacent neurons.
• Neurotransmitter: Chemical secreted into the gap between neurons at a synapse.
• Reflex: Rapid automatic response to a stimulus.
• Myelin sheath: Covering of fatty material that speeds up the passage of impulses.
• Axon terminal: Structure at the end of an axon that produces neurotransmitters.
• Nerve impulse: High-speed signals that pass along the axons of nerve cells.
• Dendrites: Branching filaments that conduct nerve impulses towards the cell.
• Sense receptor: Sense organs or cells that receive stimuli from inside or outside the body.
• Response: The reaction to a stimulus by a muscle or gland.
• Cell body: Part of the nerve cell containing the nucleus.

Endocrine system glands

• Pituitary
• Pineal
• Thyroid
• Adrenal
• Pancreas
• Ovaries
• Testes