Digestive organ

In humans, the gastrointestinal system begins at the mouth and continues through the oesophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines before ending at the colon. The gastrointestinal tract measures around 9 metres in length.There are numerous supporting organs, such as the liver, which assists in the digestion of food by secreting enzymes that are required for proper digestion.The digestive system is made up of following organs:-

The mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus are the primary organs that make up the digestive system, and they are listed in the order of their function. The pancreas, gallbladder, and liver are all involved in this process and assist them.

Mouth

The mouth serves as the starting point for the digestive tract. 

In reality, digestion begins before you even take a mouthful of the food you are eating. When you sight and smell that spaghetti dish or freshly baked bread, your salivary glands become active. 

After you begin to eat, you will chew your meal to break it down into smaller bits that will be more easily digested. Your saliva combines with the meal to begin the process of breaking it down into a form that your body can absorb and utilise for energy. When you swallow, the food is sent down your throat and into your oesophagus by the tip of your tongue.

Oesophagus

The oesophagus is a tube that connects your throat to your trachea (windpipe), and it is responsible for receiving food from your mouth when you swallow. 

A little flap of tissue that folds over your windpipe as you swallow to keep you from choking is known as the epiglottis (when food goes into your windpipe). Peristalsis is a series of muscular contractions that takes place within the oesophagus to transport food to the stomach.

It is necessary for the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-like muscle located at the bottom of your stomach, to relax in order for food to pass through.The sphincter contracts as a result, preventing the stomach’s contents from spilling back into the oesophagus. 

It is possible to get acid reflux or heartburn if this does not occur and the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophageal tube.

Stomach

The stomach is a hollow organ, sometimes referred to as a “container,” that stores food as it is mixed with stomach enzymes in the small intestine. 

These enzymes continue the process of converting food into a form that can be consumed or used. Strong acid and powerful enzymes are secreted by cells in the lining of your stomach, which are responsible for the breakdown process in your body. 

When the contents of the stomach have been thoroughly processed, they are discharged into the small intestine for further digestion.

Small intestine

The small intestine is a 22-foot-long muscular tube that is divided into three segments: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum.The small intestine breaks down food with the help of enzymes released by the pancreas and bile from the liver. 

Also active in this organ, peristalsis is responsible for transporting food through the system and mixing it with digestive secretions from the pancreas and liver.

The contents of the small intestine begin in a semi-solid state and finish up in a liquid state after they have passed through the digestive organ.

It then passes on to the large intestine once the nutrients have been absorbed and the leftover-food residue liquid has passed through the small intestine and into the bloodstream (colon).

Pancreas

Difficult foods such as protein, fat, and carbs are broken down by digestive enzymes sent into the duodenum by the pancreas. The pancreas is also responsible for the production of insulin, which is released directly into the bloodstream. Insulin is the primary hormone responsible for the metabolism of sugar in your body.

Liver

There are numerous jobs performed by the liver, but its primary function within the digestive system is the processing of nutrients taken from the small intestine. 

Bile from the liver, which is produced into the small intestine, plays a crucial part in the digestion of fats and several vitamins as well.

The liver serves as the “factory” for the chemical production of your body. It absorbs the basic materials ingested by the intestine and transforms them into all of the many chemicals required by your body to function correctly.

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a sac that stores and concentrates bile from the liver before releasing it into the duodenum, which is located in the small intestine, to aid in the absorption and digestion of fat.

Colon

The colon is in charge of processing waste, which makes it simple and convenient to empty your bowels after a meal.

Rectum

This 8-inch-long chamber connects the colon to the anus and is characterised by its straight shape.

Anus

The anus is the last section of the digestive tract to reach the small intestine. 

It is a 2-inch-long canal made up of the pelvic floor muscles and the two anal sphincters, and it is located in the lower abdomen (internal and external). 

The lining of the upper anus has the capability of detecting the presence of rectal contents. 

It informs you if the contents are liquid, gaseous, or solid in nature.