THE HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM – STRUCTURE AND
FUNCTION
INTRODUCTION
The human digestive system is a complex series of organs responsible for breaking
down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and
repair. It also eliminates waste products from the body.
ORGANS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• Mouth: The process of digestion begins in the mouth, where food is
mechanically broken down by chewing (mastication) and chemically by saliva,
which contains enzymes like amylase to start carbohydrate digestion.
• Esophagus: A muscular tube connecting the pharynx (throat) to the stomach.
It transports food through peristalsis, a series of wave-like muscle
contractions.
• Stomach: A J-shaped organ that mixes food with digestive juices, including
acid and enzymes like pepsin, to break down proteins. The partially digested
food, now called chyme, is then released into the small intestine.
• Small Intestine: The primary site for nutrient absorption. It is divided into
three parts: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Here, enzymes from the
pancreas and liver further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats,
which are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Large Intestine: Also known as the colon, it absorbs water and electrolytes
from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmits the useless waste
material from the body.
• Rectum: The final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus. It
stores feces before defecation.
• Anus: The opening at the end of the digestive tract where feces leave the
body.
ACCESSORY DIGESTIVE ORGANS
These organs assist digestion but are not part of the digestive tract itself:
• Liver: Produces bile, which aids in fat digestion and absorption.
• Gallbladder: Stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver.
• Pancreas: Produces digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats, as well as bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.
FUNCTION OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The digestive system performs several key functions:
• Ingestion: Taking food into the body.
• Propulsion: Moving food through the digestive tract by swallowing and
peristalsis.
• Mechanical Digestion: Physically breaking down food into smaller pieces,
such as chewing and churning in the stomach.
• Chemical Digestion: Breaking down complex food molecules into simpler
ones using enzymes and acids.
• Absorption: Transferring digested nutrients from the digestive tract into the
bloodstream or lymphatic system.
• Defecation: Eliminating indigestible waste products from the body.
