INTRODUCTION OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The digestive system is made up of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small
intestines, and large intestines. It also includes the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver,
gallbladder, and pancreas.
Mouth
Food begins its journey through the digestive system in the mouth, where it is chopped
into small pieces and moistened by saliva.
The teeth, tongue, and salivary glands are all small, hard organs found along the anterior
and lateral edges of the mouth. The teeth and tongue cut and grind food into smaller pieces,
and the salivary glands lubricate food as it passes through the mouth.
Pharynx
The pharynx is a funnel-shaped tube connected to the posterior end of the mouth. It serves
two different functions, routing food to the esophagus and air to the larynx.
Esophagus
The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach. It has a ring
called the lower esophageal sphincter that traps food in the stomach.
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular sac located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. It contains
hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes that continue the digestion of food.
Small Intestine
The small intestine is a long, thin tube with many ridges and folds that is part of the lower
gastrointestinal tract.
Liver and Gallbladder
The liver produces bile and secretes it into the small intestine. The gallbladder stores
excess bile and reuses it for digestion of subsequent meals.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a large gland located just inferior and posterior to the stomach. It secretes
digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
The digestive system is made up of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small
intestines, and large intestines. It also includes the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver,
gallbladder, and pancreas.
Mouth
Food begins its journey through the digestive system in the mouth, where it is chopped
into small pieces and moistened by saliva.
The teeth, tongue, and salivary glands are all small, hard organs found along the anterior
and lateral edges of the mouth. The teeth and tongue cut and grind food into smaller pieces,
and the salivary glands lubricate food as it passes through the mouth.
Pharynx
The pharynx is a funnel-shaped tube connected to the posterior end of the mouth. It serves
two different functions, routing food to the esophagus and air to the larynx.
Esophagus
The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach. It has a ring
called the lower esophageal sphincter that traps food in the stomach.
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular sac located on the left side of the abdominal cavity. It contains
hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes that continue the digestion of food.
Small Intestine
The small intestine is a long, thin tube with many ridges and folds that is part of the lower
gastrointestinal tract.
Liver and Gallbladder
The liver produces bile and secretes it into the small intestine. The gallbladder stores
excess bile and reuses it for digestion of subsequent meals.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a large gland located just inferior and posterior to the stomach. It secretes
digestive enzymes into the small intestine.
