The mouth is where digestion begins.

Teeth help break down food into smaller pieces.

Saliva helps moisten food and contains enzymes that start the breakdown of carbohydrates.

The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

It transports food from the mouth to the stomach through rhythmic contractions called peristalsis.

The stomach is a J-shaped organ that receives food from the esophagus.

It secretes gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes, to break down proteins.

Mechanical mixing and churning of food occur in the stomach.

The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive tract.

It is responsible for the majority of nutrient absorption.

Absorption occurs through specialized structures called villi and microvilli.

The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from undigested food.

It also houses beneficial bacteria and forms feces for elimination.

The rectum stores formed feces until elimination.

The anus is the opening through which feces are expelled from the body.

Involves the physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces.

Includes chewing, mixing in the stomach, and churning in the small intestine.

Involves the breakdown of complex molecules into smaller, absorbable ones.

Enzymes play a crucial role in chemical digestion.

The process by which digested nutrients are taken up by the cells of the small intestine and transported to the bloodstream for distribution.

The removal of indigestible waste materials from the body in the form of feces.

It is controlled by the muscular contractions of the large intestine.