Digestive System
Uploaded by
Bharati GulajkarDigestive System
Uploaded by
Bharati GulajkarDigestive System
Digestion Process
The process of digestion begins from the mouth and ends in the small intestine – the large
intestines’ main function is to absorb the remaining water from the undigested food and
enable bacterial fermentation of materials that can no longer be digested.
The alimentary canal or the gastrointestinal tract is a series of hollow organs and tubes that
begins from the mouth cavity and continues into the pharynx, through the stomach, small
intestines, large intestines, and finally ending at the anus. Food particles gradually get
digested as they travel through various compartments of the gastrointestinal tract.
The digestion process takes place in the following steps.
Ingestion
The very first step involves mastication (chewing). The salivary glands, along with the
tongue, helps to moisten and lubricate food, before being pushed down into the food pipe.
Mixing and Movement
It involves the process of lubricating and manipulating food and pushing it down the food
through the food pipe (using peristalsis), and into the stomach.
Secretion
The stomach, small intestine, liver, and pancreas secrete enzymes and acids to aid the
process of digestion. It functions by breaking down food particles into simple components
and easily absorbable components.
Digestion
The process of converting complex food particles into simpler substances in the presence of
enzymes and acids secreted by different digestive organs.
Absorption
This process begins in the small intestine where most of the nutrients and minerals are
absorbed. The excess water in the indigestible matter is absorbed by the large intestines.
Excretion
The process of removing indigestible substances and waste by-products from the body
through the process of defecation.
In a nutshell, the digestion process consists of the six following steps:
Ingestion ⇒Mixing and Movement ⇒ Secretion ⇒ Digestion ⇒Absorption ⇒Excretion
Disorders of the Human Digestive System
Vomiting: It is the ejection of stomach contents through the mouth.
Diarrhoea: It is the abnormal watery bowel movement. Prolonged diarrhoea eventually leads
to dehydration.
Constipation: A condition in which the faeces are clutched within the rectum due to an
irregular bowel movement.
Indigestion: A pain or discomfort in the stomach which is caused when food is not digested
properly, resulting in the feeling of fullness. Indigestion is mainly caused due to inadequate
enzyme secretion, food poisoning, anxiety, overeating and eating spicy foods.
