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Table of Contents
The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The gastrointestinal tract is a collection of hollow organs that link your mouth to your anus. The organs that comprise your GI tract are your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.
See the fact file below for more information on the Digestive System or alternatively, you can download our 26-page Digestive System worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
OVERVIEW
- The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs that aid the body in the breakdown and absorption of food. It is a long, twisted tube that begins in the mouth and travels throughout the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus.
- The digestive system processes food into nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. They are subsequently circulated and utilized by the body for energy, growth, and repair. Unused resources are discarded like feces. The digestive system also includes the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
FUNCTIONS
- Each portion of your digestive system contributes to the movement of food and fluids through your GI tract, the breaking down of foods and water into smaller pieces, or both.
- Your body can absorb and transfer nutrients to where they are required after meals are broken down into small enough pieces.
- Your large intestine receives water, and digested waste materials create feces. Nerves and hormones aid in digestion regulation.
ANATOMY
- The mouth, esophagus, and stomach, alongside the small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus, are the major organs that comprise the digestive system and allow it to operate. The pancreas, gallbladder, and liver aid them in their journey.
MOUTH
- The mouth is the starting point for the digestive tract. Digestion begins before you take a meal, and your saliva glands activate when you see and smell that pasta dish or hot bread.
- After eating, you chew your food into smaller, more readily digestible bits. The saliva reacts with the meal, breaking it apart into a form that your body can receive and utilize. When you swallow, your tongue moves food into your throat and esophagus.
THROAT
- The throat, or the pharynx, is where your food goes next, and food then passes to the esophagus or swallowing tract from here.
ESOPHAGUS
- The esophagus, located in your neck close to your trachea (windpipe), accepts food from the mouth when you swallow.
- The tiny flap drapes over your windpipe are the epiglottis to save you from choking.
- Peristalsis is a sequence of muscular spasms within the esophagus that transports food to the stomach.
- But first, the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-like muscle at the end of your esophagus, must relax to allow the food to come in.
- The sphincter then contracts, preventing stomach contents from spilling back into the esophagus.
- If it does not, and the contents of the stomach return to the esophagus, you may have acid reflux or heartburn.
STOMACH
- The stomach is an empty organ, or “container,” in which food is combined with stomach enzymes. These enzymes catalyze the breakdown of food into a usable form.
- Solid acids and potent enzymes are secreted by cells in the walls of your stomach, which are essential for the breakdown process.
- When the stomach contents have been sufficiently digested, they are discharged into the small intestine.
SMALL INTESTINE
- The small intestine is a muscular tube 22 feet long with three areas: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. It digests food by using pancreatic enzymes and the liver’s bile.
- This organ also has active peristalsis, which pushes food through and combines it with pancreas and liver processing fluids.
- The duodenal is the first section of the small intestine and is principally responsible for the continuing breakdown. The jejunum and ileum are essential lower in the gut for nutrient absorption into circulation.
- After going through the small intestine, the contents start semi-solid and finish up liquid.
- The change in consistency is caused by water, bile, enzymes, and mucus. After the nutrients have been absorbed and the leftover-food residual liquid has gone through the small intestine, it enters the large intestine.
PANCREAS
- Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas into the duodenum help break protein, fat, and carbohydrate.
- The pancreas also makes insulin, which is then delivered into the bloodstream. Insulin is your body’s primary hormone that governs sugar metabolism.
LIVER
- The liver serves several functions within the digestive system, but its principal part is to metabolize nutrients absorbed through the small intestine.
- Bile from the liver is generated in the small intestine and assists in fat and vitamin digestion.
- The liver is your body’s biochemical “factory,” taking the raw materials the gut receives and converting them into all the chemicals your body needs to function.
- Furthermore, the liver detoxifies possibly harmful chemicals and breaks down and secretes several dangerous drugs to your body.
GALLBLADDER
- The gallbladder is pear-shaped storage that stores bile right under the liver. Bile is produced in the liver and, if necessary, flows to the gallbladder via a route known as the cystic duct—the gallbladder contracts throughout a meal, delivering bile to the small intestine.
- After the nutrients have been taken and the remaining liquid has gone through the small intestine, the remaining food is sent to the large intestine or colon.
COLON / LARGE INTESTINE
- The colon controls waste treatment, making bowel movements simple and convenient. It is a 6-foot-long muscular tube that connects the small intestine to the rectum.
- The colon is mainly composed of the cecum, upward colon, transversal colon, lower colon, and sigmoid colon, which connects to the rectum.
- Stool, or waste from digestion, is moved through the colon via peristalsis, initially as a liquid and then as a solid.
- Water is excreted from the feces as they pass through the colon. The waste is stored in the sigmoid (S-shaped) colon until it is evacuated into the rectum by a “mass movement” once or twice a day.
- Stool generally takes 36 hours to pass through the colon, and the stool comprises food residues and microorganisms.
- These “good” bacteria conduct essential activities, including vitamin synthesis, waste products, food particle digestion, and bacterial defense.
- When the transverse colon is full of stool or feces, it empties its contents into the rectum, initiating the elimination process.
RECTUM
- The rectum is a straight 8-inch canal that connects the colon to the anus. The rectum’s job is to gather feces from the colon, tell you when the stool has to be cleared (pooped out), and hold the stool until it is removed.
- When anything enters the rectum (gas or stool), receptors signal to the brain, and the brain then decides whether it can discharge the contents of the rectal cavity.
- The sphincter muscles loosen, and the rectum tightens, attempting to expel its contents if possible. If one cannot discard the contents, the sphincter tightens, and the rectum relaxes, causing the sensation to dissipate quickly.
ANUS
- The anus is the digestive system’s last part, and the pelvic muscles and the two anal sphincters are housed in this 2-inch-long canal. Rectal contents can be detected via the upper anus lining, indicating if the components are liquid, gas, or solid.
- Sphincter muscles, which govern excretion, surround the anus. The pelvic floor muscle produces an arc between the rectum and the anus, keeping feces from escaping when they are not supposed to.
- Except when feces reach the rectum, the internal sphincter is always constricted. It keeps our continent alive while we are sleeping or otherwise unaware of the presence of excrement (stops us from pooping involuntarily).
- When we need to use the restroom, we depend on our external sphincter to contain the stool until we approach a toilet, where it relaxes, and the contents are released.
IMPORTANCE OF DIGESTION
- Digestion is crucial since your body needs nutrients from foods and drinks to function correctly and be healthy.
- Nutrients include proteins, lipids, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and water. Your digestive system cuts down nutrients into tiny pieces that your body can absorb and utilize for energy, development, and cell repair.
- Proteins degrade into amino acids.
- Fatty acids and glycerin are formed when fats are broken down.
- Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars.
BODY CONTROL OF THE DIGESTIVE PROCESS
- Your hormones and nerves control the digestion process. Signals go across your GI system and from your GI tract to your brain.
HORMONES
- Hormones that affect your digestive system are produced and released by cells lining your stomach and small intestine.
- These hormones direct your body to produce digestive juices and transmit messages to your brain indicating whether you are hungry or full. Your pancreas also produces hormones that aid digestion.
NERVES
- Nerves link the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the digestive system and control several digestive functions. For example, when you perceive or smell food, your brain sends signals to your salivary glands, causing them to “make your mouth wet” in preparation for eating.
- We also have an enteric nervous system (ENS), which consists of nerves within the walls of your gastrointestinal tract. When food strains the walls of your GI tract, the nerves of your ENS produce a variety of compounds that either speed up or slow down food movement and the creation of digestive juices.
- The nerves signal your gut muscles, which contract and relax to drive food through your intestines.
CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS
- Some transient situations, as well as long-term or chronic illnesses and disorders, impact the digestive system. It is usual to have constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn on occasion.
CONSTIPATION
- Constipation occurs if you go poop (have a bowel movement) less often than usual.
- When constipates, your stool is generally dry and complex, and passing it is challenging and uncomfortable.
DIARRHEA
- Loose or watery stools characterize diarrhea. Diarrhea can be triggered by various factors, including germs, although the reason is not always understood.
HEARTBURN
- Although it is called “heartburn,” it is a stomach problem.
- Heartburn is a sharp pain in your chest that can spread to your throat and neck.
- It occurs when acidic digestive acids from your stomach reflux into your esophagus.
HEMORRHOIDS
- Hemorrhoids are swelling, bulging veins that develop inside and outside the anus and rectum. They can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, and they might result in rectal bleeding.
STOMACH FLU (GASTROENTERITIS)
- The stomach flu is a viral illness in the stomach and upper section of the small intestine and typically lasts no more than a week.
ULCERS
- An ulcer is a lesion on the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine lining.
- The most prevalent causes of ulcers are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and long-term usage of anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen.
GALLSTONES
- Gallstones are little bits of solid substance generated in your gallbladder, a small organ underneath your liver.
GERD (CHRONIC ACID REFLUX)
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease, often known as chronic acid reflux) is a disorder in which acid-containing contents from your stomach seep back into your esophagus regularly.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)
- IBS is an illness in which your gut muscle contracts more frequently or less frequently than usual. IBS patients complain of excessive gas, stomach discomfort, and cramps.
DIVERTICULOSIS AND DIVERTICULITIS
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are both disorders that affect the large intestine. Diverticula, which are pits or bulges that grow in the walls of your colon, is a trait shared by both.
CANCER
- Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are tumors affecting the digestive system’s tissues and organs. There are several types of GI cancer.
- Esophageal cancer, gastro (stomach), colon and rectal (colorectal), pancreatic, and liver cancer are the most prevalent digestive system malignancies.
KEEPING DIGESTIVE HEALTHY
- Drink plenty of water: Water aids in the movement of food via your digestive system. A lack of body fluids is a common cause of constipation (dehydration).
- Include fiber in your diet: Fiber is good for digestion and keeps your bowel motions regular. Make an effort to include both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet.
- Consume a well-balanced diet:
- Choose whole grains over processed grains and avoid processed meals.
- Choose chicken and fish over red meat, and minimize deli (processed) meats.
- Consume as little sugar as possible.
- Consume probiotic meals or take probiotic supplements: Probiotics are helpful bacteria that assist your gut in fighting off harmful bacteria, and they also produce beneficial chemicals that feed your intestines. Probiotics can be useful after taking an antibiotic since drugs often destroy harmful and healthy bacteria in your stomach.
- Eat thoughtfully and chew your meal: Slow eating allows your body to digest your food correctly, and it also enables your body to send you signals when it is complete.
- It is critical to thoroughly chew your meal since it helps to guarantee that your body has enough saliva (spit) for digestion. Chewing your meal thoroughly also helps your digestive system receive the nutrients in the food.
- Exercise: Physical exercise and gravity both aid in moving food through your digestive tract. For example, taking a stroll after eating a meal might help your body digest the food more readily.
- Avoid drinking and smoking: Alcohol can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers by increasing the amount of acid in your stomach. Smoking almost increases your risk of acid reflux. According to research, people who quit smoking and suffer digestive troubles have improved symptoms.
- Managing your stress: Stress has been linked to digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and IBS.
Digestive System Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Digestive System across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Digestive System worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the human digestive system, which is responsible for breaking down the food we eat into smaller components for the body to absorb nutrients and discard waste easily.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
- Digestive System Facts
- Parts of the Digestive System
- Major Organs
- Function of the Digestive System
- Biological Terms
- Digestive Problems
- Famous Scientists
- Digestion Flowchart
- Digestive Dos
- About the Digestive System
- Body Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the digestive system and its function?
The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs that aid the body in the breakdown and absorption of food. It is a long, twisted tube that begins in the mouth and travels throughout the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus. The digestive system processes food into nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
What are the main parts of the digestive system?
The main parts of the digestive system are the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine or colon, rectum, and anus.
Why is digestion important?
Digestion is crucial since your body needs nutrients from foods and drinks to function correctly and be healthy.
What are the types of cancer concerning the digestive system?
Esophageal cancer, gastro (stomach), colon and rectal (colorectal), pancreatic, and liver cancer are the most prevalent digestive system malignancies.
How does the body control the digestive system?
Your hormones and nerves control the digestion process. Signals go across your GI system and from your GI tract to your brain.
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