Digestive System

The Digestive System (pronunciation: /dɪˈdʒɛstɪv ˈsɪstəm/) is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body.

Etymology

The term "Digestive System" is derived from the Latin word 'digestio', meaning 'distribution', and the Greek word 'systema', meaning 'whole compounded of several parts or members'.

Function

The Digestive System is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. This process involves several stages including ingestion, digestion, absorption, and excretion.

Components

The Digestive System consists of the following components:

Mouth: The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. It is where ingestion of food and drink occurs, and where the preliminary steps of digestion begin.

Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach.

Stomach: The stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen. It secretes acid and enzymes that digest food.

Small Intestine: The small intestine is where most of the end absorption of nutrients takes place.

Large Intestine: The large intestine is responsible for processing waste so that emptying the bowels is easy and convenient.

Rectum: The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus.

Liver: The liver has multiple functions, but its main function within the digestive system is to process the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine.

Gallbladder: The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, a substance produced by the liver to digest fats.

Pancreas: The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to complete the chemical digestion of foods.

Related Terms

Gastroenterology: The study of the digestive system and its disorders.
Metabolism: The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
Nutrition: The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth.