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The Digestive System
- andrew0326lee
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
What Is The Digestive System?
The digestive system is a group of organs that work together to break down the food we eat. When we eat, our body can’t use food in its original form. Instead, the digestive system turns it into nutrients—like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals—that our body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and repair.
Digestion starts as soon as food enters your mouth and continues until the waste exits your body. It's a long but efficient process that keeps you healthy and energized.
What Organs Make Up The Digestive System?
Mouth – This is where digestion begins. Teeth break food into smaller pieces while saliva starts to break it down chemically.
Esophagus – A tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Muscles in the esophagus push the food downward.
Stomach – A stretchy, muscular organ that mixes food with digestive juices and breaks it into a thick liquid.
Small Intestine – This long, narrow tube absorbs most of the nutrients from digested food. It’s helped by enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.
Pancreas – Produces enzymes that help break down sugars, fats, and proteins.
Liver – Makes bile, a fluid that helps digest fats.
Gallbladder – Stores bile from the liver and releases it into the small intestine when needed.
Large Intestine (Colon) – Absorbs water from the leftover waste and turns it into solid stool.
Rectum and Anus – The final part of the digestive system, where waste is stored and eventually passed out of the body.
How Does It Help Us Function?
The digestive system plays a vital role in keeping our bodies working properly. Here’s how:
Provides Energy: By breaking down food into nutrients, the digestive system helps fuel our muscles, brain, and organs.
Builds and Repairs: Nutrients from food help the body grow and fix itself when damaged.
Supports the Immune System: The gut (especially the small intestine) helps protect the body from harmful bacteria and keeps the balance of good microbes.
Removes Waste: The large intestine and rectum help the body get rid of waste products that aren’t needed.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
