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Title / Describe the human digestive system
Level / 4 / Credits / 2
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to describe: normal structure and function of the digestive system; the process of digestion; and the absorption and metabolism of the products of digestion.
Classification / Health, Disability, and Aged Support > Core Health
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
1Reference
Marieb, E.N. (2010). Essentials of human anatomy and physiology (10th ed.). SanFrancisco, CA: Pearson/Benjamin Cummings.
2As the content of this unit standard is largely informational, evidence requirements assume that knowledge will be acquired from the reference text in conjunction with models and other information-bearing media. In this regard it is expected that outcomes and evidence will be in accordance with the reference text.
3Definition
Normal structure and function refers to structure and function which are not impaired by abnormalities or dysfunction.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Describe normal structure and function of the digestive system.
Rangemouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, rectum, anus, sphincters.
Evidence requirements
1.1The normal structure of the component parts of the digestive system is described.
1.2The normal functions of the component parts of the digestive system are described.
Rangeingestion;digestion – mechanical and chemical;absorption;elimination.
Outcome 2
Describe the process of digestion.
Evidence requirements
2.1The mechanical movements of the gastrointestinal tract are described in relation to the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Rangemastication, deglutition, churning of chyme, peristalsis, sphincter control.
2.2The conversion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into digestive end products is identified.
Rangeglucose, amino acids, fatty acids.
Outcome 3
Describe the absorption and metabolism of the products of digestion.
Evidence requirements
3.1The sites of absorption of substances are identified.
Rangesubstances – water, glucose, fatty acids, amino acids, alcohol, drugs, vitamins, minerals.
3.2The metabolism of absorbed substances is described in relation to their uptake, storage and use in the body.
Rangesubstances stored in the liver;
main uses of – glucose, fatty acids, amino acids.
Planned review date / 31 December 2017Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 23 October 1998 / 31 December 2012
Review / 2 / 26 May 2004 / 31 December 2012
Review / 3 / 20 March 2008 / 31 December 2012
Review / 4 / 20 September 2012 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0024
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Community Support Services ITO you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Community Support Services ITO LimitedSSB Code 101814 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018