All ORGANS of the DIGESTIVE system

It is called digestive system the set of structures and organs that perform the digestive process. Through this process the body will be able to extract the nutrients found in the different foods that we eat and that are vital for the optimal functioning of all our organism. Do you want to learn a little more about your own body? Well, lean on this lesson from a Teacher in which we will discover what are the organs of the digestive system.

Index

1. What are the organs of the digestive system
2. Mouth, one of the main organs of the digestive system
3. Pharynx
4. Esophagus
5. Stomach
6. Pancreas
7. Liver
8. Small intestine
9. Large intestine

The digestive system is composed of a series of vital organs and structures for food absorption. These are all the organs of the digestive system:

• Mouth
• Pharynx
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Small intestine
• Large intestine

Next, we are going to explain each of them in detail and in an orderly way so that you understand what their function is during the digestive process.

The mouthIt is one of the organs of the digestive system. It is a structure formed by several organs such as:

• the lips
• language
• teeth
• salivary glands

All of them meet a vital role in the digestive processWhat's more, it is in the mouth where it begins. After taking, chewing and swallowing food, the same that has begun to decompose to facilitate its transit through the esophagus thanks to the enzymes including saliva, they will begin their journey through the digestive tract.

Thanks to all this process, our body will be able to assimilate food. The same ones that are already small enough to be digested and not cause obstructions. In addition, it is very important to know that the tongue not only helps us swallow and chew by moistening food, but is also capable of, thanks to the taste buds, to perceive food that may be in bad condition or that contains substances dangerous for the organism.

The pharynx is one of the parts of the digestive system, as well as one of the most important organs. Through this structure, the body connects the mouth with the esophagus, the next organ through which food has to pass. In the same way, it is important to know that the pharynx, in addition to being a slightly rigid structure, is a common pathway used by both the digestive and respiratory systems.

Thanks to the glottis, the duct through which we take in air is closed so that we can swallow the food that has begun to be processed during chewing.

Image: Paxala.com

We continue to know the organs of the digestive system to speak, now, of the esophagus. It is a muscular tube that connect pharynx so that food or Cud. Alimentary bolus arrive, performing what is known as the peristaltic movements or pushing movement, to the stomach.

One of the main organs of the digestive system. This organ is a muscular enlargement that has a shape similar to a sac connected directly to the esophagus through a sphincter. The sphincters are muscular structures capable of opening and closing to facilitate transit. The sphincter in charge of allowing the passage of the food bolus is called the cardia.

Once the food passes, it begins to mix with the chemical substances that occur in the walls of the stomach. This is where the process called digestion. Thanks to the action of these substances and muscle movements, the food begins to finish decomposing until it is in a liquid state.

This is vital, since in order to finish assimilating or discarding food, it is necessary that it can be transported to the intestines. Here the food bolus is renamed chyme; chyme is nothing more than the result of the mixture of water, nutrients and gastric juices.

Finally, as with the tongue, the stomach is also able to reverse the digestion process. In this way, whether due to illness or excess, even pure intolerance, the stomach can force the body to expel food through the mouth to prevent its absorption. This undigested mixture that passes from the pharynx until it is expelled through the mouth is known as vomit.

This organ is located just behind the stomach. In it, the necessary acids are generated both to digest food and control glucose levels of our body thanks to insulin. The acids generated that are poured into the duodenum to facilitate its digestion are known as pancreatic juice.

However, it also sends enzymes to help further break down the chyme during its transit through the small intestine. This is called digestive juice.

Image: Medical Journal

The liver is another of the main organs of the digestive system. It is a gland capable of producing another vital digestive juice for the absorption of nutrients and is known as bile. Thanks to this, a better absorption of beneficial fatss for the body, including some vitamins.

Bile is transported through the bile ducts to the gallbladder, where it will be stored so that it can be used by the small intestine. Without a doubt, we are facing one of the internal organs of the human body more important.

Image: National Cancer Institute

This is where both the pancreatic juice and the bile finally go to form a new digestive juice vital for the chemical breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats that have come through the stomach.

In addition, the small intestine also transport the water from the bloodstream to the gastrointestinal tract for this other nutrients.

Image: mozaweb

The large intestine is in charge of carrying out the ultimate nutrient absorption process, both water and food, remaining after passing through the rest of the organs to finish digestion. The resulting waste becomes feces that are expelled, through the rectum, through the anus.

If you want to read more articles similar to Organs of the digestive system, we recommend that you enter our category of biology.

• S. H. Nguyen. Editorial DAE. (2007) Manual of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Joly, Francisca. Editorial Paidotribo, (2016) Our Second Brain
• Bill Bryson, Francisco J. Ramos Mena. RBA Books (2020) The Human Body: A Guide for Occupants