6 min read
Mathew Wahome
The Human Digestive System
What is digestion?
Digestion is the breaking down of food into small parts the body can use. The KICD Science and Technology curriculum teaches Grade 5 learners how food travels through the body.
The path of food
- Mouth: teeth chew food and saliva softens it.
- Oesophagus: a tube that pushes food down by squeezing.
- Stomach: churns food with juices into a thick liquid.
- Small intestine: digestion finishes and nutrients enter the blood.
- Large intestine: water is absorbed.
- Anus: undigested waste (faeces) leaves the body.
Helper organs
- Liver makes bile to break down fats.
- Pancreas makes juices that help digestion.
Kinds of teeth
Incisors cut, canines tear and molars grind food.
Keeping the system healthy
- Wash hands before eating.
- Eat a balanced diet with ugali, vegetables, beans and fruit.
- Drink clean, boiled or treated water.
- Chew food well.
- Avoid eating too fast.
- Visit a health centre if you have a stomach ache that does not go away.
Common problems
Diarrhoea and typhoid often come from dirty water or food. Constipation can come from too little fibre and water.
Try it
- Draw and label the path of food from mouth to anus.
- Chew a piece of bread for one minute and describe the taste change.
- List three foods rich in fibre in your community.