Human gastrointestinal tract

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Human Gastrointestinal Tract

The Human Gastrointestinal Tract (pronounced: gas-tro-in-tes-ti-nal trakt), also known as the digestive tract, digestive system, or gut, is an organ system within humans and other animals which takes in food, digests it to extract and absorb energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste as feces. The term "gastrointestinal" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" (stomach) and "enteron" (intestine).

Structure

The human gastrointestinal tract is divided into several main sections, each with its own unique structure and function. These include the Mouth, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Rectum, and Anus.

Mouth

The Mouth is the first part of the digestive tract. It is where ingestion of food and drink occurs, and where the preliminary steps of digestion - mastication (chewing) and insalivation (mixing food with saliva) - take place.

Esophagus

The Esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. Food is pushed down the esophagus by means of a series of contractions called peristalsis.

Stomach

The Stomach is a major organ of the gastrointestinal tract, responsible for the second phase of digestion. It secretes acid and enzymes that digest food.

Small Intestine

The Small Intestine is where most of the end absorption of nutrients takes place. It is divided into three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Large Intestine

The Large Intestine is responsible for the absorption of water from indigestible food matter, and the transmission of waste material from the body.

Rectum and Anus

The Rectum and Anus are the final parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The rectum stores feces, and the anus is the part of the body from which feces are expelled.

Related Terms

External links

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