DIGESTION IN HUMANS

Digestion refers to the process by which our body breaks down food into its simplest components that

can be absorbed and used for energy, growth, and repair. It's essentially the conversion of complex, often

indigestible food molecules into smaller, water-soluble forms that our bloodstream can take up.

Animal digestion is a varied process. Herbivores, like cows, often have complex multi-chambered

stomachs or special microbes to tackle tough plant matter. Carnivores, on the other hand, have simpler

systems for processing protein-rich diets. From birds grinding food with stones to filter feeders

extracting nutrients from water, animals have evolved amazing adaptations to get the most out of their

meals.

Digestion involves both physical and chemical processes:

1. Mechanical Digestion: Food is physically broken down into smaller pieces through chewing

(mastication) in the mouth and muscle contractions in the stomach and intestines.

2. Chemical Digestion: Digestive enzymes secreted by the mouth, stomach, pancreas, and small

intestine break down complex food molecules into simpler forms.

The human digestive system can be broadly divided into two main parts:

Alimentary Canal: This muscular tube winds its way through the body, starting at the mouth and

ending at the anus. It comprises mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

It's responsible for the physical processing of food and the absorption of nutrients.

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Accessory Organs: The salivary glands, gastric glands, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and intestinal glands

make up the accessory organs and they lie outside the alimentary canal. These organs work alongside the

alimentary canal but are not directly part of the tube itself. They contribute essential fluids and enzymes

to aid digestion.

Structures of the human digestive system

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Each organ in the digestive system is specialized for a particular function. The roles of some digestive

organs are outlined below:

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Mechanisms of Digestion

The mouth and esophagus

Digestion begins in the mouth. The food is ground up by the teeth and moistened with saliva to make it

easy to swallow. Saliva also has a special chemical, called an enzyme, which starts breaking down

carbohydrates into sugars. Once swallowed, muscular contractions of the esophagus massage the ball of

food down into the stomach.

The stomach

The food passes through a sphincter, or small muscle ring, into the stomach. Here it is mixed with

gastric juices. The stomach is a muscular bag and it churns the food to help break it down mechanically

as well as chemically. The food is then squeezed through a second sphincter into the first part of the

small intestine, called the duodenum.

The small intestine

Once in the duodenum, the food is mixed with more digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from

the liver. Food is then squeezed into the lower parts of the small intestine, called the jejunum and the

ileum. Nutrients are absorbed from the ileum, which is lined with millions of finger-like projections

called villi. Each villus is connected to a mesh of capillaries. This is how nutrients pass into the

bloodstream.

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Pancreas

The pancreas is one of the largest glands in the human body. As well as digestive juices, it secretes a

hormone called insulin. Insulin helps to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. Diabetes is a

condition caused by problems with insulin production.

Liver

The liver has a number of different roles in the body, including:

 breaking down fats, using bile stored in the gall bladder

 processing proteins and carbohydrates

 filtering and processing impurities, drugs and toxins

 generation of glucose for short-term energy needs from other compounds like lactate and amino

acids.

The large intestine

Once all the nutrients have been absorbed, the waste is moved into the large intestine, or bowel. Water is

removed and the waste (faeces) is stored in the rectum. It can then be passed out of the body through the

anus.

End Products of Digestion

The products of digestion depend on the type of food that is being digested. Carbohydrates, proteins, and

fats are broken down into their basic building blocks, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream

and used by the body for various functions.

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The products of digestion include:

 Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose,

and galactose.

 Proteins: Proteins are broken down into amino acids.

 Fats: Fats are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol.

Other products of digestion may include vitamins, minerals, and water. These nutrients are also absorbed

into the bloodstream and transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body.

Importance of Digestive System

The digestive system allows the body to break down food and absorb its nutrients for the body to

function properly. Without the digestive system, the body would not be able to get the energy and

nutrients it needs to function properly.

Common disorders of the digestive system

Some common disorders include:

 colitis – inflammation of the bowel

 diverticulitis – inflammation of pouches lining the small intestine

 gastroenteritis – an infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea

 heartburn – when the contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus

 ulcer – a hole in the mucous membrane lining the stomach or duodenum.