What organs are involved in the digestive system and what is the function of each?
Answer (1)
The digestive system is a group of organs that work together to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. It includes both the alimentary canal (digestive tract) and accessory organs.Major organs and their functions:Mouth – Chewing (mechanical digestion) and mixing food with saliva (chemical digestion via amylase).Esophagus – Transports food from the mouth to the stomach using muscular contractions called peristalsis.Stomach – Secretes acid and enzymes to break down proteins; churns food into semi-liquid form (chyme).Small intestine – Main site of digestion and nutrient absorption. It has three parts: duodenum (digestion), jejunum and ileum (absorption).Large intestine (colon) – Absorbs water and electrolytes; forms and stores feces.Rectum and Anus – Final section where waste is expelled.Accessory digestive organs:Salivary glands – Produce saliva with enzymes for carbohydrate digestion.Liver – Produces bile to break down fats.Gallbladder – Stores and concentrates bile.Pancreas – Secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.Together, these organs coordinate to extract useful nutrients from the food we eat, while ensuring that indigestible materials are removed from the body.
