Digestive System
The digestive system includes the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus . It also includes the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which make digestive juices and enzymes that help the body digest food and liquids. Digestion is important for breaking down food into nutrients , which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. Digestion works by moving food through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Digestion begins in the mouth with chewing and ends in the small intestine Movement of Food Through G.I Tract Food moves through your GI tract by a process called peristalsis. The large, hollow organs of your GI tract contain a layer of muscle that enables their walls to move. The movement pushes food and liquid through your GI tract and mixes the contents within each organ. The muscle behind the food contracts and squeezes the food forward, while the muscle in front of the food relaxes to allow t...