The digestive system is a group of organs and glands that work together to break down food into small molecules that the body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and repair.

Organs of the Digestive System:

1. Mouth: The process of digestion begins in the mouth, where the teeth grind and break down food into smaller pieces. Saliva, which contains enzymes, is also released to help break down carbohydrates.

2. Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It uses muscular contractions, called peristalsis, to move food down to the stomach.

3. Stomach: The stomach is a muscular sac that mixes and grinds food with digestive enzymes and acid. It also regulates the rate at which food enters the small intestine.

4. Small intestine: The small intestine is a long, narrow tube where most of the nutrient absorption takes place. It is lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption.

5. Large intestine: The large intestine is a wider tube that absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food matter. It also stores and eliminates waste as feces.

6. Rectum: The rectum is the final part of the large intestine where feces are stored before elimination.

7. Anus: The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive system where feces are eliminated from the body.

Glands of the Digestive System:

1. Salivary glands: The salivary glands are located in the mouth and produce saliva, which contains enzymes that help break down carbohydrates.

2. Liver: The liver produces bile, which helps break down fats in the small intestine.

3. Pancreas: The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine to help break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Process of Digestion:

1. Ingestion: The process of eating and taking in food.

2. Mechanical digestion: The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces by the teeth and muscular contractions of the stomach and small intestine.

3. Chemical digestion: The use of enzymes and acid to break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.

4. Absorption: The process of absorbing nutrients and water from digested food in the small intestine.

5. Elimination: The process of removing waste from the body in the form of feces.

Overall, the digestive system plays a critical role in breaking down food into nutrients that can be used by the body. It is a complex system that involves a variety of organs and glands working together to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.