Biology: The Digestive System
The Digestive System
The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic
nutrients to feed the entire body. It involves mechanical and chemical processes.
Major Organs of the Digestive System:
1. Mouth - Digestion starts in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva to begin
breaking it down.
2. Esophagus - A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach and pushes food using a
movement called peristalsis.
3. Stomach - A sac-like organ where food is mixed with gastric juices to further break it down into a
semi-liquid form called chyme.
4. Small Intestine - This is where most digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs. It has three
parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
5. Large Intestine - Absorbs water and forms waste products (feces). It includes the colon and
rectum.
6. Anus - The final part of the digestive system where feces are expelled from the body.
Accessory Organs:
1. Salivary Glands - Produce saliva containing enzymes that help digest carbohydrates.
2. Liver - Produces bile, which helps break down fats.
3. Gallbladder - Stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine.
4. Pancreas - Produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.
Functions of the Digestive System:
The Digestive System
The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic
nutrients to feed the entire body. It involves mechanical and chemical processes.
Major Organs of the Digestive System:
1. Mouth - Digestion starts in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva to begin
breaking it down.
2. Esophagus - A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach and pushes food using a
movement called peristalsis.
3. Stomach - A sac-like organ where food is mixed with gastric juices to further break it down into a
semi-liquid form called chyme.
4. Small Intestine - This is where most digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs. It has three
parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
5. Large Intestine - Absorbs water and forms waste products (feces). It includes the colon and
rectum.
6. Anus - The final part of the digestive system where feces are expelled from the body.
Accessory Organs:
1. Salivary Glands - Produce saliva containing enzymes that help digest carbohydrates.
2. Liver - Produces bile, which helps break down fats.
3. Gallbladder - Stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine.
4. Pancreas - Produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.
Functions of the Digestive System:
