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The Digestive System

The digestive system is the means by which nutrients are obtained and distributed in the body to fuel its cells. Complex foods are taken into the digestive tube and broken down into smaller, simpler molecules which are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body.

 

General Terminology

bulletgastro-/gastric = stomach
bulletgut = the digestive tube

Main digestive system functions

bulletprehension (grasping) and mastication (chewing) to obtain nutrients
bulletdigestion - breaking down nutrients into simpler compounds
bulletabsorption of simple compounds through the gut wall into the blood and lymph
bulletexcretion of non-usable wastes and metabolic byproducts

Effect of diet - Animal digestive systems have adapted to the foods usually eaten by their species.

Structure of the digestive tube

Parts of the digestive system