Function:

• Breaks down ingested food into nutrients for absorption
• Facilitates nutrient transport to cells for energy and growth
• Eliminates waste products through bowel movements

Components:

• Mouth: Mechanical and chemical digestion begins with chewing and saliva
• Esophagus: Muscular tube that transports food from mouth to stomach
• Stomach: Acidic environment for further digestion and initial absorption
• Small intestine: Main site of nutrient absorption into the bloodstream
• Large intestine: Absorbs water, forms and stores feces
• Liver and pancreas: Produce digestive enzymes and bile

Peristalsis:

• Wave-like muscular contractions that move food along the digestive tract

Enzymatic Digestion:

• Amylase breaks down carbohydrates
• Protease breaks down proteins
• Lipase breaks down fats

Common Digestive Disorders:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Functional disorder causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)