Digestive System
Overview
The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), the liver, the pancreas, and the gallbladder. Its main function is to break down food into nutrients that the body can use for energy, growth, and cell repair.
Key Organs
• Mouth: Where digestion begins. Chewing breaks down food, and saliva starts chemical digestion.
• Esophagus: A muscular tube that pushes food down to the stomach.
• Stomach: Mixes food with digestive juices and breaks it down further.
• Small Intestine: The main site for nutrient absorption. It has three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
• Large Intestine: Absorbs water and electrolytes, forming waste (stool).
• Rectum and Anus: Store and expel waste.
Accessory Organs
• Liver: Produces bile to help digest fats and filters toxins from the blood.
• Pancreas: Produces digestive enzymes and insulin to regulate blood sugar.
• Gallbladder: Stores bile produced by the liver.
Common Issues
Digestive problems can include heartburn, GERD, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Maintaining a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated helps keep the system healthy.
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