The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion. source
The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs of digestion.
In this system, the process of digestion has many stages, the first of which starts in the mouth. source
In this system, the process of digestion has many stages, the first of which starts in the mouth.
Digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller and smaller components, until they can be absorbed and assimilated into the body. source
Digestion involves the breakdown of food into smaller and smaller components, until they can be absorbed and assimilated into the body.
Chewing, in which food is mixed with saliva begins the process of digestion. source
Chewing, in which food is mixed with saliva begins the process of digestion.
Another digestive enzyme called lingual lipase is secreted by some of the lingual papillae on the tongue and also from serous glands in the main salivary glands. source
Another digestive enzyme called lingual lipase is secreted by some of the lingual papillae on the tongue and also from serous glands in the main salivary glands.
Digestion is helped by the mastication of food by the teeth and also by the muscular actions of peristalsis and segmentation contractions. source
Digestion is helped by the mastication of food by the teeth and also by the muscular actions of peristalsis and segmentation contractions.
Gastric juice in the stomach is essential for the continuation of digestion as is the production of mucus in the stomach. source
Gastric juice in the stomach is essential for the continuation of digestion as is the production of mucus in the stomach.
Most of the digestion of food takes place in the small intestine. source
Most of the digestion of food takes place in the small intestine.
There are several organs and other components involved in the digestion of food. source
There are several organs and other components involved in the digestion of food.
The organs known as the accessory digestive glands are the liver, gall bladder and pancreas. source
The organs known as the accessory digestive glands are the liver, gall bladder and pancreas.
The largest structure of the digestive system is the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). source
The largest structure of the digestive system is the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).
Some parts of the digestive system are also part of the excretory system. source
Some parts of the digestive system are also part of the excretory system.
The mouth is the first part of the gastrointestinal tract and is equipped with several structures that begin the first processes of digestion. source
The mouth is the first part of the gastrointestinal tract and is equipped with several structures that begin the first processes of digestion.
There are three pairs of main salivary glands and between 800 and 1,000 minor salivary glands, all of which mainly serve the digestive process. source
There are three pairs of main salivary glands and between 800 and 1,000 minor salivary glands, all of which mainly serve the digestive process.
Saliva functions initially in the digestive system to moisten and soften food into the formation of a bolus. source
Saliva functions initially in the digestive system to moisten and soften food into the formation of a bolus.