The human digestive system is an essential part of the human body that helps in digestion. The mere function of the system is concentrated in the conversion of the foods that have been eaten by ones into the simplest forms of foods. In this context, the simplest forms of food include glucose, amino acids and lactic acids. With the function of the system, the nutrients from the foods are absorbed by the body.

Discussion

The human digestive system

The human digestive system in biology, or the process of digesting, is one of the most important procedures in human anatomy. The system is mostly made up of the gastrointestinal tract (also known as the GI tract or digestive tract) and organs such as the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.

A gastrointestinal tract is a series of hollow organs that are linked together by a twisted, long tube that is running from the mouth, the entry point to the anus. There are several hollow organs within the GI tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. The digestive system’s solid organs are the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

If you are studying this topic, you should be familiar with the structure of the small and large intestines. The small intestine is divided mainly into three sections. Duodenum is the basic first section of the small intestine. The jejunum is in the center, while the ileum is at the bottom.

The appendix, cecum, colon, and rectum are all parts of the large intestine. The appendix is a pouch that is linked to the cecum in the form of a finger. The cecum is the first section of the small intestine. The colon follows. The rectum is the terminal portion of the large intestine.

The bacteria in the gastrointestinal system, known as the gut flora or the microbiome, can assist you in the digestive process. Some aspects of the neurological and circulatory systems also work together in the immune system. Nerves, hormones, germs, blood, and digestive systems all work together to digest the meals and drinks you consume each day.

Major importance of the human digestive system

It is simple to say from the name that the digestive system in biology performs the most important part in the consumption of your meal daily. It is significant since all the functions of your body rely only on the nutrients received from the food you eat or the liquids you drink. Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water are examples of nutrients. 

The digestive system converts the food particles eaten into nutrients, which it receives from food and beverages to utilize for crucial tasks including energy, growth, and cell repair.

Digestive tract

In this part, you will have a clear understanding of the human digestive system parts and functions.

• Mouth

You know that the procedure of digestion starts from the mouth. When the meal is ingested and swallowed, the tongues assist in pushing the food into the throat. There is a flat swap of tissue called the epiglottis that folds over the windpipe to prevent choking and allows food to enter into your esophagus.

• Esophagus

After the swallowing process has begun, you can see that the procedure is becoming autonomic in nature. The brain automatically stimulates the muscles of the esophagus, and peristalsis commences.

• Sphincter of the lower esophagus

When food reaches the last point of your esophagus, a ring-shaped muscle known as the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and allows food to flow into your stomach. This sphincter normally remains closed to prevent stomach contents from spilling back into the esophagus.

• Stomach

The stomach is a hollow organ or popularly called a “container,” in which food is combined with stomach enzymes. The stomach muscles blend the food and drink with the digestive juices. Cells in your stomach’s lining release a strong acid as well as powerful enzymes that aid in the breakdown process. When the contents of the stomach have been sufficiently digested (chyme), they are discharged into the small intestine.

• Small Intestine 

The small intestine is divided into three segments: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The small intestine is a 22-foot-long tubular structure that breaks down food using pancreatic enzymes and bile from the liver.

The muscular part of the small intestine helps to mix the food matrix with the gastrointestinal juices which are again generated from the pancreas, liver, intestines and help to drive the whole mix through the digestion tract.

The membranes of the small intestine will aid in the absorption of the digested nutrients into your circulation. The waste materials of the digestion process go into the large intestine while peristalsis proceeds.

• The large intestine 

The large intestine, mainly termed as colon, is in charge of waste treatment, making it simple and easy to clear the bowels. It’s a tubular structure that links the small intestine to the rectum. It’s around 6 feet long. Indigestible food, fluid, and aged cells from the lining of your GI tract are all waste products from the digestion process. The large intestine absorbs water and converts liquid waste into feces. Peristalsis aids in the movement of feces into the rectum.

• Rectum

The rectum is an 8-inch-long straight chamber that links the colon to the anus. The rectum, the bottom end of your big intestine, holds feces until it propels it out of the anus during stool movements.

Conclusion

Taking everything into account, it can be stated that the paper is applicable in providing a brief knowledge about the functions of the human digestive system in biology. The mere functionality of the system helps in developing the immune system along with absorption of different essential nutrients..