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HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The human digestive system is a group of organs that work together to break down the food we eat into smaller molecules. These molecules are then absorbed by our body to give energy, help in growth, and repair damaged tissues.
The human digestive system includes the following organs:
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Mouth :The process of digestion begins in the mouth.Teeth help in chewing food into smaller pieces.Salivary glands release saliva, which contains an enzyme called amylase that starts breaking down starch into sugar.
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Oesophagus (Food Pipe):A muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.Moves food to the stomach through peristalsis, which is a wave-like movement of muscles.
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Stomach:A J-shaped organ where food is mixed with gastric juice.Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes that help break proteins into smaller molecules.Food becomes a semi-liquid called chyme here.
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Small Intestine:A long, coiled tube where most digestion and absorption of food takes place.Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver help in digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.Tiny finger-like projections called villi increase the surface area for absorption.
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Large Intestine:Absorbs water from undigested food.Helps in forming solid waste called feces.
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Rectum :Feces are stored in the rectum and eliminated through the rectum terminal.
The process of digestion can be summarized in steps:
Ingestion – Eating food.
Digestion – Breaking down food into simpler substances.
Mechanical digestion: Chewing and churning.
Chemical digestion: Action of enzymes.
Absorption – Nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
Excretion – Waste is removed from the body.
Digestion is necessary to provide energy and nutrients to the body.Different organs secrete specific enzymes to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.A healthy diet and enough water help the digestive system work properly.
