digestive

digestive system

The organ system responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

components

include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

mouth

the initial site of digestion where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva to begin the digestive process.

esophagus

the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach that transports food after swallowing.

stomach

the organ where the food is mixed with gastric juices for further digestion before it enters the small intestine.

intestines

the long, tubular organs where most digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs, consisting of the small and large intestines.

small intestine

the part of the intestines where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place, following the stomach.

large inetstine

the final part of the digestive system, responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from indigestible food residues and storing waste until elimination.

rectum

the terminal portion of the large intestine, leading to the anus, where waste is stored before elimination.

anus

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

acessory organs

organs that assist with digestion, including the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

pancreas

a glandular organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin.

liver

produces bile, processes nutrients, and detoxifies harmful substances in the body.

gallbladder

a small organ that stores bile produced by the liver, releasing it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion.

key processses of digestion

ingestion, propultion, mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, and defecation.

digestive system in response to health and movemnt

• Provides energy through nutrient absorption to fuel muscles and bodily functions

• Supplies proteins for muscle repair and growth

• Maintains hydration through water absorption in the large intestine

• Helps prevent fatigue and illness by ensuring adequate nutrition