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Key Facts About the Digestive System

Part of The Human Digestive System — GCSE Biology

This key facts covers Key Facts About the Digestive System within The Human Digestive System for GCSE Biology. Structure and function of digestive organs, mechanical and chemical digestion, enzymes, absorption, and practical investigations It is section 2 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 15

Practice

19 questions

Recall

24 flashcards

Key Facts About the Digestive System

  • Length: The alimentary canal is approximately 9 meters (30 feet) long
  • Surface Area: The small intestine has a surface area of about 200 square meters due to villi
  • Transit Time: Food takes 24-72 hours to complete the journey through your system
  • Stomach Acid: pH between 1.5-3.5, strong enough to dissolve metal
  • Peristalsis: Wave-like muscle contractions move food throughout the system
  • Daily Production: Your body produces 1.5 liters of saliva and 2.5 liters of gastric juice daily

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in The Human Digestive System. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The Body's Food Processing FactoryStructure of the Human Digestive SystemThe Alimentary Canal: A Detailed JourneySmall Intestine: The Absorption Specialist

Practice Questions for The Human Digestive System

Which organ produces hydrochloric acid to kill bacteria in food?

  • A. Liver
  • B. Stomach
  • C. Small intestine
  • D. Pancreas
1 markfoundation

Explain the role of bile in the digestive system.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is peristalsis?
Peristalsis is the wave-like contractions of smooth muscle that push food through the digestive system. Circular muscles contract behind food while longitudinal muscles relax in front.
What are villi?
Villi are tiny finger-like projections on the wall of the small intestine that greatly increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients.

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The Body's Food Processing Factory

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Structure of the Human Digestive System