The Solar System

Introduction to the Digestive System

The human digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body

uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and

other organs.
 The Solar System

The Mouth

The digestive process begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Saliva

contains enzymes that begin to break down carbohydrates.

 The Solar System

The Stomach

The stomach is a muscular organ that mixes food with gastric juices, breaking it down into a

semi-liquid form called chyme. The acidic environment of the stomach helps to kill bacteria and

digest proteins.
 The Solar System

The Small Intestine

The small intestine is a long, coiled tube where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients

occurs. It is lined with tiny hair-like structures called villi, which increase the surface area for

absorption.
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The Large Intestine

The large intestine absorbs water and salts from the remaining undigested food, forming solid waste

(feces) that is excreted from the body through the anus.