Digestive System - Free Printable

Let's solve this step-by-step.

We are given a list of 20 digestive system functions, and we need to match each with the correct term from the provided list (A–T). Then, we’ll answer the final question about foods/drinks that help the digestive system work properly.

---

Step 1: Understand the terms

Here’s a quick review of what each lettered term refers to:

- A. Anus – The opening at the end of the digestive tract where waste exits.
- B. Appendix – A small pouch attached to the large intestine; no major function in digestion, can become infected.
- C. Bile – Digestive fluid made by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, helps break down fats.
- D. Colon – Another name for the large intestine; absorbs water and electrolytes.
- E. Digestion – The process of breaking down food.
- F. Epiglottis – Flap that covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food from entering the windpipe.
- G. Esophagus – Tube that carries food from mouth to stomach.
- H. Gall bladder – Stores bile from the liver.
- I. Gastric juices – Acids and enzymes in the stomach that break down food.
- J. Large intestine – Absorbs water and forms feces.
- K. Liver – Produces bile; detoxifies harmful substances.
- L. Oral cavity – Mouth; includes teeth, tongue, saliva.
- M. Pancreas – Produces enzymes for digesting fats, proteins, and carbs.
- N. Rectum – Final section of the large intestine; stores feces before elimination.
- O. Saliva – Moistens food and begins chemical digestion (amylase).
- P. Small intestine – Main site of nutrient absorption; long tube where digestion continues.
- Q. Stomach – Muscular organ that breaks down food into chyme.
- R. Teeth – Chew and grind food.
- S. Tongue – Helps chew and moves food around in mouth.
- T. Trachea – Windpipe; air passage; not for food.

---

Step 2: Match each function

Now let’s go through each numbered statement and find the best match.

1. Helps break down food; kills any bacteria in the food
→ This is gastric juices (stomach acid)
✔ I. Gastric juices

2. 22 foot long; place body absorbs proteins, nutrients, fats
→ That’s the small intestine
✔ P. Small intestine

3. Stores food; breaks it down into a mixture
→ This is the stomach
✔ Q. Stomach

4. Flap preventing food from entering windpipe
→ Epiglottis
✔ F. Epiglottis

5. The windpipe where food should not go
→ Trachea
✔ T. Trachea

6. Moves food from the back of the throat to the stomach
→ Esophagus
✔ G. Esophagus

7. Includes the saliva, teeth, and tongue
→ This is the oral cavity
✔ L. Oral cavity

8. Spit that breaks down food inside the mouth
→ Saliva
✔ O. Saliva

9. Helps break down food in the mouth when you chew
→ Teeth
✔ R. Teeth

10. Helps move food into the opening of the esophagus
→ Tongue pushes food to the back of the mouth
✔ S. Tongue

11. The process of food being broken down
→ Digestion
✔ E. Digestion

12. The exit through which waste leaves the body
→ Anus
✔ A. Anus

13. End of large intestine where waste is pushed out
→ Rectum
✔ N. Rectum

14. No longer serves a purpose but can become infected
→ Appendix
✔ B. Appendix

15. Last place and last chance for body to absorb nutrients
→ Large intestine absorbs water and some vitamins
✔ J. Large intestine

16. Receives all waste products body does not need
→ Colon or large intestine — same thing
✔ D. Colon

17. Makes juices that help your body digest fats and proteins
→ Pancreas produces pancreatic juice
✔ M. Pancreas

18. Filters out anything harmful to your body
→ Liver detoxifies toxins
✔ K. Liver

19. Helps absorb fats into the bloodstream
→ Bile emulsifies fats so they can be absorbed
✔ C. Bile

20. Stores bile from the liver until your body needs it
→ Gall bladder
✔ H. Gall bladder

---

Final Answer Key:

1. I
2. P
3. Q
4. F
5. T
6. G
7. L
8. O
9. R
10. S
11. E
12. A
13. N
14. B
15. J
16. D
17. M
18. K
19. C
20. H

---

Bonus Question:

Which kinds of food or drink are best for helping the digestive system work properly?

Answer:
Foods high in fiber (like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes), plenty of water, probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut), and lean proteins support healthy digestion. Avoiding processed foods, excessive sugar, and overeating also helps. Drinking enough water aids in moving food through the digestive tract and prevents constipation.

✔ Example answer:
"High-fiber foods like apples, broccoli, and whole grains, along with plenty of water and probiotics such as yogurt, help keep the digestive system working well."

---

Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a printable answer sheet!