Digestive System
The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body and used for energy, growth, and repair. It consists of several organs that work together to accomplish this task.
Mouth
The process of digestion begins in the mouth. Teeth break down food into smaller pieces, while saliva helps to moisten and soften it. The tongue helps to move food around in the mouth, and the enzymes in saliva begin to break down carbohydrates.
Esophagus
The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. It uses a series of muscular contractions called peristalsis to move food down into the stomach.
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular sac that mixes and grinds food with stomach acid and enzymes. This process breaks down proteins into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
Small Intestine
The small intestine is a long, narrow tube that is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. It is lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase its surface area and allow for more efficient absorption.
Large Intestine
The large intestine is a wider tube that absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food, forming solid feces.
Rectum
The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, where feces are stored before they are eliminated from the body.
Anus
The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract, where feces are expelled from the body during a bowel movement.