Summary
The mouth, stomach, intestines and accessory organs that break down food and absorb nutrients.
In depth
Mouth (mechanical and amylase), oesophagus (peristalsis), stomach (acid, pepsin), small intestine (digestion and absorption), liver, pancreas, gallbladder, large intestine (water absorption, faeces). Stages: ingestion, digestion, absorption, egestion.
Mechanical and chemical digestion occur together. Peristalsis moves food. Sphincters regulate passage. Gut hormones coordinate.
Example: stomach acid (pH 1 to 2) kills most microbes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Digestive System?
The mouth, stomach, intestines and accessory organs that break down food and absorb nutrients.
Which area of biology covers Digestive System, and how advanced is it?
Digestive System is one of the 51 topics in Human Physiology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Digestive Enzymes, Gut Hormones, Tissues and Organs.
Can you give an example of Digestive System?
The intestine is about 6 m long.
What should I learn before Digestive System?
Digestive System is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Human Physiology that pair well with it include Homeostasis, Tissues and Organs, Skeletal System.
What topics are related to Digestive System?
The closest topics to Digestive System are Digestive Enzymes, Gut Hormones, Tissues and Organs, Excretory System. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Digestive System?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Digestive System. To practise the whole of Human Physiology, use the Human Physiology quiz.
How is Digestive System different from Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive System: The mouth, stomach, intestines and accessory organs that break down food and absorb nutrients. Digestive Enzymes: Amylase, proteases and lipases break carbohydrates, proteins and fats into absorbable units. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Digestive System step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Digestive Enzymes and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Human Physiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.