Digestive System

Mouth

The beginning of the digestive system where mechanical digestion occurs through teeth and tongue.

Mechanical digestion

The process of physically breaking down food into smaller pieces, as occurs in the mouth.

Chemical digestion

The process of breaking down food using enzymes and other chemicals, starting in the mouth with saliva.

Esophagus

The tube that connects the throat to the stomach, using peristalsis to push food down.

Peristalsis

Smooth muscle contractions that move food through the digestive system.

Stomach

An organ that churns food and conducts chemical digestion through hydrochloric acid and enzymes.

Small Intestine

The organ where most chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occurs through villi.

Villi

Tiny structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the blood.

Large Intestine

The organ that reabsorbs water from waste and moves it along via peristalsis.

Rectum

The part of the digestive system that stores solid waste until ready for release.

Anus

The opening at the end of the digestive tract through which waste is expelled.

Enzymes

Chemicals that facilitate the breakdown of food during digestion.