LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM; THIS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR BODY BETTER

Our digestive system is constructed uniquely in order to perform its function of turning our food intake into energy that we need in order to survive. Aside from this, the residue is packaged for waste disposal. It can be quite hard to exactly understand the functions and structure of the digestive system.  

To further understand this topic, here are the different parts of the digestive system along with its functions; 

MOUTH 

This is where the digestive tract begins. This is actually where digestion starts as we take a bite on our food. The food breaks in pieces as we chew it; making it easier to digest. The saliva then mixes with the food that starts the process of breaking it down to pieces for the body to absorb and use. 

ESOPHAGUS 

This is located in the throat near the windpipe (trachea). This receives the food from our mouth after we swallow it. Through a series of muscle contractions that is called peristalsis, the food is then delivered to the stomach by the esophagus. 

STOMACH 

This is like the container or hollow organ which holds the food while being mixed with the enzymes. This continues the process of breaking down of food to turn into a usable form. The cells in the stomach lining secrete powerful enzymes and strong acids which are responsible for the breakdown process. After the contents have been processed, they are then released in the small intestines.  

SMALL INTESTINE 

This is made of 3 segments; duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The small intestine measures a 22 ft. long muscular tube. This breaks down the food we take through the enzymes released by the bile and pancreas from our liver. Peristalsis moves food through and mixes it with the digestive secretions from the liver and pancreas. Our duodenum is the one responsible for the breaking-down process while the jejunum and ileum are the ones responsible for the absorption of nutrients in the bloodstream. The contents in our small intestine start out as semi-solid then end up in liquid form. Bile, enzymes, mucous and water contribute in the change of consistency. After the nutrients are absorbed and the residue from food has passed thru our small intestine, it will move into the colon, our large intestine. 

PANCREAS 

This organ secretes digestive enzymes into our duodenum which is the 1st segment of our small intestine. These enzymes will break down the carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The pancreas is also responsible for the production of insulin; secreting directly in the bloodstream. Insulin is the hormone used for sugar metabolizing.  

LIVER 

This happens to one of the most vital organs in the body having multiple functions. Its function in the digestive system is for processing of the nutrients that was absorbed from our small intestine. The liver bile has an important function too, digesting of fats. The liver is also called the chemical factory of the body being the one taking the raw materials that have been absorbed by the liver then makes it into the chemicals that are needed by the body to function. This organ also detoxifies the harmful chemicals. 

GALLBLADDER 

This is responsible for the storing and concentration of the bile, releasing it into the duodenum to aid in the absorption and digestion of fats. 

COLON (LARGE INTESTINE) 

This organ measures 6 feet and appears to like a muscular tube; connecting the small intestine and rectum. This is made up of cecum, transverse (across) colon, ascending (right) colon, sigmoid colon and the descending (left) colon. The appendix (small tube), is attached to the cecum. The large intestine is responsible for processing the waste, making sure the bowels are emptied conveniently and easily. The waste that came from the digestive process or stool passed through the colon; in a liquid state at first then in solid form. As the stool is passed thru the colon, the water is removed. It takes thirty six hours before the stool gets into the colon. The stool is mostly bacteria and from the food debris. Once the descending colon becomes full of feces or stool, it then empties the contents into the rectum which starts the elimination process.  

RECTUM 

The rectum is the chamber that connects the anus from the colon and this measures 8 inches. The rectum receives the stool from our colon then makes us aware that a stool is ready to be released; to hold until the stool has been released. 

ANUS 

Anus, being the last part of the digestive system is a two-inch long passage which consists of the pelvic muscles & 2 anal sphincters (internal & external). The lining on the upper anus detects the contents of the rectum. This allows you to know if the contents are solid, gas or liquid. The anus has sphincter muscles which serve as control on releasing of the stool. The pelvic muscle creates an angle between the anus and the rectum; this stops stool from coming out when it is not yet supposed to come out. The internal sphincter is always firm except on the time that stool enters in the rectum.