The digestive system
The human digestive system is a complex series of organs and glands that process food and liquid. In order to use the food we eat, our body has to break it down into smaller molecules that it can process; it also has to excrete waste. Most of the digestive organs (like the stomach and intestines) are tube-like structures and contain the food as it makes its way through the body. The digestive system is essentially a long, twisting tube that runs from the mouth to the anus, plus a few other organs (like the liver and pancreas) that produce or store digestive chemicals.
Functions of the digestive system
1. To turn the food you eat into usable energy.
2. Packs residue (energy and nutrients that your body doesn't need or use) and packs it together for waste removal.
3. Intake of water- keeps the body hydrated.
2. Packs residue (energy and nutrients that your body doesn't need or use) and packs it together for waste removal.
3. Intake of water- keeps the body hydrated.
Major organs of the digestive system and their functions
1. Mouth- The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. The process starts with the teeth breaking down the food in order to pass it along to the rest of the body.
2. Esophagus- The esophagus is located near the windpipe. It moves food via the peristalsis which is a process of circular contractions of smooth muscle to push things down.
3. Stomach- The stomach is a very hollow organ that mixes food with enzymes and digestive juices. This allows for the food to be broken down into a usable form for the body.
4. Small Intestine- The small intestine come in three segments; the duodenum, jejunum, and the ileum. The duodenum continues to break down foods with enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. The jejunum and the ileum absorb nutrients into the bloodstream in order to be carried by the rest of the body to get to where they need to go, also using peristalsis.
5. Pancreas- The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum and produces insulin.
6. Liver- The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine, and also releases bile into the small intestine that breaks down fat (detoxify the body).
7. Gallbladder- The gallbladder stores and secretes bile, and also releases bile into the small intestine to break down fats.
8. Large Intestine- The large intestine Includes the colon and processes food so it is ready and easy to empty your bowels.
9. Rectum- The rectum holds stool from the large intestine until it is ready to excrete.
10. Anus- The anus is the last part of the digestive system. It is an external opening that keeps in stool until it is ready to exit the body.
2. Esophagus- The esophagus is located near the windpipe. It moves food via the peristalsis which is a process of circular contractions of smooth muscle to push things down.
3. Stomach- The stomach is a very hollow organ that mixes food with enzymes and digestive juices. This allows for the food to be broken down into a usable form for the body.
4. Small Intestine- The small intestine come in three segments; the duodenum, jejunum, and the ileum. The duodenum continues to break down foods with enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. The jejunum and the ileum absorb nutrients into the bloodstream in order to be carried by the rest of the body to get to where they need to go, also using peristalsis.
5. Pancreas- The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum and produces insulin.
6. Liver- The liver processes nutrients absorbed from the small intestine, and also releases bile into the small intestine that breaks down fat (detoxify the body).
7. Gallbladder- The gallbladder stores and secretes bile, and also releases bile into the small intestine to break down fats.
8. Large Intestine- The large intestine Includes the colon and processes food so it is ready and easy to empty your bowels.
9. Rectum- The rectum holds stool from the large intestine until it is ready to excrete.
10. Anus- The anus is the last part of the digestive system. It is an external opening that keeps in stool until it is ready to exit the body.
Digestive process
Alimentary canalThis is the continuous muscular digestive tube that winds through the body, digesting and absorbing food. Its organs include: the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
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accessory organsAccessory digestive organs aid digestion physically and produce secretions that break down food in the alimentary canal; the organs involved are the teeth, tongue, gallbladder, salivary glands, liver, and pancreas.
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Major enzymes
Digestive enzymes assist the body in the breakdown of food. The human body makes approximately 22 different enzymes that are involved in digestion.