The Digestive System

The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body. Food passes through a long tube inside the body known as the alimentary canal or the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).

Organs of the Digestive System

The major organs of the digestive system include:

Mouth: Food enters the digestive system through the mouth, where the process of digestion begins. Chewing and saliva help break down the food into smaller pieces.
Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It uses rhythmic, wave-like muscle movements (peristalsis) to force food down into the stomach.
Stomach: In the stomach, gastric juices begin the process of breaking down food and killing bacteria.
Small Intestine: The small intestine is where the majority of digestion and absorption of nutrients take place. It is divided into three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum.
Large Intestine (Colon): The colon absorbs water and salts from the remaining food after it goes through the small intestine. The waste material (stool) is stored here until it is ready to be excreted.
Liver: The liver produces bile, which helps break down and absorb fats.
Gallbladder: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, then releases it into the small intestine to help digest fats.
Pancreas: The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones to regulate blood sugar levels.

The Process of Digestion

The process of digestion involves both mechanical and chemical processes. Mechanical digestion, such as chewing, breaks down food into smaller pieces. Chemical digestion involves enzymes and other substances that break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Once the food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed, the waste products are eliminated from the body as feces through the process of defecation.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about the digestive system:

The digestive system is a group of organs that work together to convert food into energy and nutrients for the body.
The major organs of the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
The process of digestion involves mechanical and chemical processes to break down food and absorb nutrients.
After nutrients are absorbed, waste products are eliminated from the body as feces through the process of defecation.