The digestion system is the process of turning food you eat into nutrients by breaking it down. Afterwards, the body uses this for energy, growth and cell repair which is needed to survive. Cells can also store the molecules for later use.
There are 4 stages for food to process through you body:
1) Ingestion-Talking in of nutrients It includes the process that takes place while the food is in the mouth, and while using your teeth you begin the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller pieces. Then salivary amylase begins the chemical breakdown. As you swallow your food, it enters the throat (pharynx) and begins its way down the esophagus. At the end of the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a valve to allow food into the stomach.
Organs Involved:
Mouth-The opening of the lower part of the human face through which food passes into the body. Components include teeth, gums, soft and hard palate, uvula, tonsils, tongue, and lips. Some common mouth problems include Cold Sores, Thrush (a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth), and Leukoplakia (white patches of excess cell growth on the cheeks which is common in smokers). To keep this organ healthy brush teeth daily, do not smoke, and floss. Related technology is x-rays, CAD CAM, and laser.
Pharynx- The tube with its surrounding membrane and muscles which transfers food from the mouth to the esophagus and filter air before it moves into the trachea. Components include Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, and Laryngopharynx. Some problems that may occur are tonsillities, croup (inflammation) and laryngytis. To keep this organ healthy protect your throat from cold temperatures, clean your toothbrush, and gargle with salt. Related technology is the Transnasal Endoscopy which is a special instrument that helps examine the esophagus and stomach.
Esophagus- An 8 inch long muscular tube connecting the pharynx with the stomach. Transports chewed food (bolus) from the mouth and pharynx to the stomach using peristalsis which helps move food to different processing stations in the digestive system. Many problems may occur such as heartburn, cancer, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This happens when your stomach contents leak into the esophagus and irritate it. In order to keep this organ healthy do not smoke, eat healthy (fruits and vegetables) and stay fit. Related technology is white-light endoscopy.
2) Digestion- Ingested (food) material is now into a form that can then be absorbed into the tissues of the body. Once food enters the stomach it’s attacked by acid and enzymes, which work together to break it down further so it becomes ready to enter the small intestine. Once it enters, bile (from the liver) and more enzymes (from the pancreas) work to continue the digestion breakdown process.
Organs Involved:
Stomach-A muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen which receives food from the esophagus and then it enters the stomach by going through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. Components included are Curvatures (greater, lesser) Angular incisures, Cardia, Body, Fundus, Gastric mucosa, Gastric folds etc. Some problems that may occur are Peptic Ulcers ( inflammation), Stomach Cancer and Celiac disease (damages the small intestine). To keep this organ healthy limit foods that are high in fat, choose lean meats and stay hydrated. Related technology is Ingestible Origami Robot.
Liver- Largest gland organ in the body and helps keep the body pure of toxins and harmful substances. Thus, helping in breaking down fats and breaking down old or damaged blood cells. As well as the liver secretes (produces) bile helping with the process of digestion. Components included are Right and left lobe, coronary ligament, falciform ligament, ligamentum teres and gallbladder. Some problems are Cirrhosis (form of liver disease which is the degeneration of cells), inflammation, and fibrous (thickening of tissue). To prevent this you may want to stop drinking alcohol and be careful around synthetic chemicals (eg. cleaning products).
GallBladder- 7-10 cm long/ 2-3 cm wide small storage organ located inferior and posterior to the liver and helps to store bile produced by the liver. Some problems that may occur are Gallbladder polyps, Gallbladder cancer, and Gallstones. To keep this organ healthy eat salmon and other meats (containing omega-3 fatty acid). eat more vegetables and fruits. and eat whole grain more often. Related technology is Lithotripter which is a device that crushes kidney stones by passing shock waves.
Pancreas- A long flat gland that lies in the abdomen behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that are released into the small intestine to help with digestion. Components include bile duct, pancreatic duct, lobules, exocrine cells, and endocrine cells. Some problems that may occur are pancreatic cancer, acute pancreatitis (sudden attack causing inflammation) and hereditary pancreatitis. To keep this organ healthy eat a low-fat diet that includes whole grains and fruits and vegetables. Related technology is Pancreatoscopy.
3)Absorption- The taking up of digested molecules into the cells of the digestive tract While food continues to digest, two parts of your small intestine (ileum and jejunum) are hard at work absorbing needed nutrients into the bloodstream. As nutrients reach the bloodstream, they are carried throughout your body for further absorption where needed.
Organ involved:
Small Intestine- 20 feet long muscle at the bottom of the stomach and absorbs most of the nutrients from what we eat and drink. Components include Duodenum, Jejunum, and Ileum. Some problems that may occur are Celiac disease (damaged by a substance called gluten). Infections and Intestinal cancer. To keep this organ healthy eat whole grains, eliminate food allergies and treat infections of bugs. Related technology is MRI and Endoscopy (Magnetic resonance imaging).
4) Elimination- The removal of waste materials from the body The indigestible parts from your food leave the small intestine and enter your colon (large intestine). Waste goes into your rectum and then is finally eliminated through the anus.
Organ involved:
Large intestine- A digestive organ in a shape of a tube that surrounds the small intestine and absorbs water, vitamins, and salts from digested food. Components include colon, rectum, and anus. Some problems that may occur are Colorectal Cancer, and Colonic Polyps (small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon). To keep this organ healthy eat less red meat, increase your fiber intake, and control your weight. Related technology is Colonoscope.
Digestion Dependence Upon Respiration The digestive tract is dependent upon the respiratory system, because your digestive tract functions by using muscular contractions to break up the food and turn it into liquid and move it along the system. These muscles depend upon oxygen in order to function. Without oxygen, your digestive system would stop working.