Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems
Unit 8C: Explore the physiology of the digestive system and the use of
corrective treatments for dietary related diseases
Vocational scenario:
Following recent Government advice, the management team of my school are convinced that a
healthy, nutritious diet will improve the overall well-being of their students which, consequently, will
have a positive impact on attendance and academic achievement. A well-balanced diet, coupled with
a healthy digestive system, ensures that the human body receives all the nutrients it requires to
function effectively. Doctors need to evaluate any disease process that alters the biological
functioning of the digestive system, whether caused by internal or external mechanisms, and
ascertain how this may lead to nutritional deficiency. As part of their science studies, Key stage 5
students have been given a project designed to raise awareness of dietary related diseases and
deliver their findings to younger peers. My role in this project is to produce a report and PowerPoint
presentation that provide clear guidance on the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system,
sources and uses of various important nutrients and associated symptoms of nutrient deficiency
linked to the consequences of, and treatments for, dietary related diseases.
P5:Explain the role and location of organs involved in digestion:
Organs Structure Function Location
Mouth Oral cavity, The mouth is the entry point Head
containing teeth and for food. It contains teeth
tongue for chewing and the tongue
for manipulating food. Saliva
produced by the salivary
glands in the mouth begins
the process of digestion by
moistening food and
breaking down
carbohydrates.
Pharynx Muscular tube The pharynx is a muscular Throat
tube that serves as a
passage for both food and
air. It plays a crucial role in
swallowing, as it allows food
to pass from the mouth to
the oesophagus while
preventing it from entering
the trachea.
Oesophagus Muscular tube Also known as the food Neck and chest
pipe, the oesophagus is a
muscular tube that
transports swallowed food
from the pharynx to the
Unit 8C: Explore the physiology of the digestive system and the use of
corrective treatments for dietary related diseases
Vocational scenario:
Following recent Government advice, the management team of my school are convinced that a
healthy, nutritious diet will improve the overall well-being of their students which, consequently, will
have a positive impact on attendance and academic achievement. A well-balanced diet, coupled with
a healthy digestive system, ensures that the human body receives all the nutrients it requires to
function effectively. Doctors need to evaluate any disease process that alters the biological
functioning of the digestive system, whether caused by internal or external mechanisms, and
ascertain how this may lead to nutritional deficiency. As part of their science studies, Key stage 5
students have been given a project designed to raise awareness of dietary related diseases and
deliver their findings to younger peers. My role in this project is to produce a report and PowerPoint
presentation that provide clear guidance on the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system,
sources and uses of various important nutrients and associated symptoms of nutrient deficiency
linked to the consequences of, and treatments for, dietary related diseases.
P5:Explain the role and location of organs involved in digestion:
Organs Structure Function Location
Mouth Oral cavity, The mouth is the entry point Head
containing teeth and for food. It contains teeth
tongue for chewing and the tongue
for manipulating food. Saliva
produced by the salivary
glands in the mouth begins
the process of digestion by
moistening food and
breaking down
carbohydrates.
Pharynx Muscular tube The pharynx is a muscular Throat
tube that serves as a
passage for both food and
air. It plays a crucial role in
swallowing, as it allows food
to pass from the mouth to
the oesophagus while
preventing it from entering
the trachea.
Oesophagus Muscular tube Also known as the food Neck and chest
pipe, the oesophagus is a
muscular tube that
transports swallowed food
from the pharynx to the
