The liver also makes bile, which is stored in the gallbladder before passing into the small intestine, where it aids in fat digestion. This hardens the stool so it can be excreted from the body via the rectum and anus.Īccessory organs: the liver has many functions which include help with digesting food, storing fuel for the body (glycogen), helping the blood to clot, and removing or processing alcohol, toxins and medications from the body. Large intestine: the main function of the large intestine is to remove water from its contents. The contractions occur behind the ball of food (bolus), forcing it through the digestive system. Food is moved through the small intestine by co-ordinated contractions (called peristalsis) of the intestine wall which occur in a wave pattern travelling down from one section to the next. About 90% of digestion and absorption occurs here including the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Small intestine: the main function of the small intestine is absorption of nutrients and minerals. Hydrochloric acid is also released which provides an acidic environment to help enzymes work and also kills some unwanted bacteria. The food is mixed with gastric juices and many digestive enzymes to help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In addition, chemical digestion occurs in the stomach. Stomach: churning and mixing motions occur here due to muscle contractions, continuing the process of mechanical digestion. Oesophagus: ingested food is swallowed and transported from the mouth to the stomach by the oesophagus. Various enzymes are secreted to help this breakdown, including saliva or ‘salivary amylase’ which is involved in digestion of carbohydrates to smaller chains and simple sugars. Food is put into the mouth and broken down by chewing. Mouth: the beginning of the digestive tract. Absorption (molecules passing from digestive system into the body).Chemical digestion (digestive enzymes and substances breaking food down).Mechanical digestion (chewing and food being churned inside the digestive tract).There are many different processes which contribute to a functioning and effective digestive system: When one or more of the functions of the digestive system fail, symptoms and disease can develop. When the system works correctly, food is broken down so that nutrients can be absorbed and unwanted products excreted. It is important to note that the words ‘intestine’ and ‘bowel’ are interchangeable. Approximately seven litres of fluid are secreted by the digestive system and its accessory organs each day. To do this it produces and utilises a variety of enzymes and other substances that aid digestion (breaking food down to smaller molecules).įood takes around two hours to pass through the stomach, two hours to pass through the small intestine and 20 hours through the large intestine and into the rectum the length of the digestive tube from mouth to anus is 9 metres on average. The role of the digestive system is to turn food and liquid into the building blocks that the body needs to function effectively. The Digestive System runs from the mouth to the anus and includes the stomach, the large and small intestines and a number of accessory organs, including the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
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