Functions & Diagrams of the Digestive System

The digestive system contains a series of organs that assist in the breakdown and digestion of the food that you eat. It begins at the mouth and continues in hollow tubes all the way to the anus. Certain organs, such as the mouth and stomach, contain acids that help in the process of breaking down the food. Each organ helps in a specific function.

Mouth and Esophagus

• The mouth begins the digestive system. As you chew, food begins to break down into smaller pieces, and the saliva in your mouth continues this breakdown as the food is swallowed. When you swallow, the esophagus's muscles continue to contract as it works the food down to the stomach.

Stomach

• The stomach acts as a holding cell, as the food is mixed with enzymes that continue to break food down into component parts. The lining of the stomach leak these enzymes and acids, and when the food has been refined, it moves to the intestines.

Small Intestine

• The small intestine stretches about 22 feet long, and it further refines the processed food through enzymes and bile released from the pancreas and liver. Parts of the intestine absorb nutrients to send into the bloodstream. The food is broken down to a liquid state before moving along to the large intestine.

Large Intestine

• The large intestine, or colon, starts with the food from the small intestine and turns it into stool or liquid waste. The liquid waste is sent to the bladder, where it is held to be released as urine. Bacteria in the large intestine absorb various vitamins that are left in the solid waste before it goes to the rectum.

Rectum/Anus

• The rectum receives food from the colon and stores it until it can be released from the anus. Signals to the brain let you know when it has contents and is ready to be released. If it is time to release the waste, the muscles of the anus relax. Once you are ready to release, the two sets of muscles in the anus relax and let the waste leave your body.