What are the parts of digestive system?
Mouth
- Lips: form the opening of the mouth
- Tongue: mixes saliva with food, aids in swallowing
- Teeth: break food into smaller pieces
- Salivary glands: produce saliva, which contains enzymes that begin to break down carbohydrates
Esophagus
- Muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach
- Transports food through peristaltic contractions
Stomach
- J-shaped organ that stores and churns food
- Produces gastric juice, which contains enzymes and acid that further break down food
- Begins to absorb water and electrolytes
Small intestine
- Long, coiled tube that is the main site of digestion and absorption
- Subdivided into three sections: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum
- Receives bile from the liver and pancreatic juice from the pancreas, which help break down food further
- Absorbs nutrients into the bloodstream
Large intestine (colon)
- Absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food
- Stores waste until it is eliminated
Rectum
- Stores solid waste until it is eliminated
Anus
- Muscular opening through which solid waste is eliminated