Digestive System 13 Parts and Function Summary Table

The Human digestive system is a complex system of organs that breaks down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and repair.

The digestive system is made up of two main parts: the alimentary canal and the accessory organs.

The alimentary canal is a long tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. It is lined with specialized cells that help to break down food. The alimentary canal is divided into the following parts:

• Mouth
• Pharynx
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Rectum
• Anus

The accessory organs are not part of the alimentary canal, but they produce substances that are essential for digestion. The accessory organs include:

• Salivary glands
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Pancreas

The digestive system works by a series of mechanical and chemical processes. The mechanical processes involve chewing, mixing, and moving food through the alimentary canal. The chemical processes involve the secretion of digestive enzymes, which break down food into smaller molecules.

Digestive System Animation|| How Food moves through the Digestive System?

The end products of digestion are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the small intestine. The absorbed nutrients are then transported to the cells throughout the body, where they are used for energy, growth, and repair.

The following table summarizes the different parts of the Digestive system and their functions.

Digestive System Parts and Function
Parts	Function
Mouth	Ingests food, chews, and mixes food with saliva, begins chemical breakdown of carbohydrates.
Pharynx	Transports food from the mouth to the esophagus
Esophagus	Transports food from the pharynx to the stomach
Stomach	Stores food mechanically and chemically digests food, releases chyme into the small intestine.
Small intestine	Most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place in the small intestine.
Large intestine	Absorbs water and electrolytes, stores waste products, eliminates waste products from the body.
Rectum	Stores waste products before elimination
Anus	Opening through which waste products are eliminated from the body.
Salivary glands	Produce saliva, which moistens food, helps to break down carbohydrates, and kills harmful bacteria.
Appendix	A small, finger-shaped pouch that projects from the cecum; exact function not known.
Liver	Produces bile, which is necessary for the digestion of fats; stores glycogen, a form of sugar; detoxifies harmful substances.
Gallbladder	Stores bile, which is released into the small intestine when needed.
Pancreas	Produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which help to digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; also produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

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