What is another job of the digestive system besides breaking food down?

In addition to breaking down food, the digestive system also has several other important functions:

- Nutrient absorption: The digestive system is responsible for absorbing the nutrients from the food we eat into the bloodstream. These nutrients are then transported to cells throughout the body, where they are used for energy, growth, and repair.

- Storage of nutrients: The liver and muscles store excess glucose (a type of sugar) as glycogen. When the body needs energy, these stores can be broken down into glucose and released into the bloodstream.

- Electrolyte balance: The digestive system helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance, which is important for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

- Hormone production: The digestive system produces hormones that help to regulate digestion, such as gastrin, which stimulates the production of stomach acid, and cholecystokinin, which stimulates the gallbladder to release bile.

- Immune function: The digestive system also plays a role in the body's immune system, as it helps to protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) contains immune cells that can identify and destroy harmful substances in the digestive tract.