GLOSSARY
acid:
A liquid that can break
food down.
bacteria:
Tiny creatures
that live inside and outside
of the body, some of which
help with digestion.
bile:
A green liquid made by
the liver that helps digest food.
blood vessels:
Tubes that carry
blood around the body.
digestion:
The process by which
the body turns food into nutrients
it can use.
digestive system:
A body
system that turns food into
nutrients the body can use.
enzyme:
A protein that helps
the body digest food.
esophagus:
The tube that
carries food from the throat
to the stomach.
fiber:
Material in food that
can’t be digested and that
stimulates the intestine
to move its contents along.
intestines:
Two tubes, small
and large, that digest food
and absorb it into the blood.
muscles:
Tissue that can squeeze
and relax to move your body parts.
nutrients:
Proteins, minerals,
and vitamins you need to stay
healthy and strong.
organs:
Body parts that are
responsible for a specific job.
pancreas:
A gland near the
stomach that helps with digestion.
saliva:
A fluid containing water,
protein, salts, and an enzyme that
is secreted by glands in the mouth.
villi:
Parts of the small
intestine that absorb nutrients
into the blood.
vitamins:
Substances that are
necessary in small amounts to the
body’s growth and development.
