major structures and primary functions

mouth

begins preparation of food for digestion.

Teeth

used for biting, tearing, and chewing in mechanical digestion.

Pharynx

transports food from the mouth to the esophagus.

Esophagus

transports food from the pharynx to the stomach.

stomach

breaks down food and mixes with gastric juices

small intestine

mixes chyme coming from stomach with digestive juices to complete the digestion and absorption of most nutrients.

large intestine

absorbs excess water and prepares solid waste for elimination.

rectum and anus

controls the excretion od solid waste

liver

secretes bile and enzymes to aid in digestion of fats

gallbladder

stores bile and releases it into small intestines as needed.

pancreas

secretes digestive juices and enzymes into small intestine as needed.