By the time food reaches the large intestine, the work of absorbing nutrients is nearly finished. The large intestine's main job is to remove water from the undigested matter and form solid waste poop to be excreted.
Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is the Digestive System? Almost all animals have a tube-type digestive system in which food: enters the mouth passes through a long tube exits the body as feces poop through the anus Along the way, food is broken down into tiny molecules so that the body can absorb nutrients it needs: Protein must be broken down into amino acids. Starches break down into simple sugars. Fats break down into into fatty acids and glycerol.
The waste parts of food that the body can't use are what leave the body as feces. How Does Digestion Work? The small intestine is made up of three parts: the duodenum due-uh-DEE-num , the C-shaped first part the jejunum jih-JU-num , the coiled midsection the ileum IH-lee-um , the final section that leads into the large intestine The inner wall of the small intestine is covered with millions of microscopic, finger-like projections called villi VIH-lie.
The large intestine has three parts: The cecum SEE-kum is the beginning of the large intestine. The appendix , a small, hollow, finger-like pouch, hangs at the end of the cecum. Proteins , fats , carbohydrates , vitamins , minerals , and water are nutrients. Your digestive system breaks nutrients into parts small enough for your body to absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair.
MyPlate offers ideas and tips to help you meet your individual health needs. Each part of your digestive system helps to move food and liquid through your GI tract, break food and liquid into smaller parts, or both. Once foods are broken into small enough parts, your body can absorb and move the nutrients to where they are needed.
Your large intestine absorbs water, and the waste products of digestion become stool. Nerves and hormones help control the digestive process. 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 the food to move.
Food starts to move through your GI tract when you eat. When you swallow, your tongue pushes the food into your throat. A small flap of tissue, called the epiglottis, folds over your windpipe to prevent choking and the food passes into your esophagus.
Once you begin swallowing, the process becomes automatic. Your brain signals the muscles of the esophagus and peristalsis begins. Lower esophageal sphincter. When food reaches the end of your esophagus, a ringlike muscle—called the lower esophageal sphincter —relaxes and lets food pass into your stomach. After food enters your stomach, the stomach muscles mix the food and liquid with digestive juices.
The stomach slowly empties its contents, called chyme , into your small intestine. Small intestine. The muscles of the small intestine mix food with digestive juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestine, and push the mixture forward for further digestion. The walls of the small intestine absorb water and the digested nutrients into your bloodstream.
As peristalsis continues, the waste products of the digestive process move into the large intestine. Large intestine. Samin Yasar. Jan 13, Difference is in their extension. Explanation: Digestive tract extends from the oral cavity to the anus Gastrointestinal tract extends from the stomach to the anus Greek Gaster means stomach.
Related questions In what organ is the waste from the digestion process collected for eventual disposal? This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly. Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment. Being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk of altitude sickness.
Around half of cases of anal fissures heal by themselves with proper self-care and avoidance of constipation. Anyone of any age can be struck by appendicitis, but it seems to be more common during childhood and adolescence.
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.
The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.
The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content.
Digestive system explained. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet.
0コメント