What Are the Functions of the Human Digestive Organs?

The human digestive tract is comprised of a series of hollow organs. The organs all have specific functions for the digestive process, which entails the breakdown of food, the absorption of nutrients and the expulsion of waste.

Mouth and Esophagus

Food enters the body through the mouth, where it is chewed to facilitate processing. It is swallowed into the esophagus, a tube that uses peristalsis, muscular contractions making wave-like motions, to usher food into the stomach.

Stomach

The second phase of digestion begins in the stomach, where food is stored and broken down by being churned with gastric fluids and then emptied into the small intestines.

Small Intestines

The small intestines are where most actual digestion takes place, and most nutrients from food are absorbed through the walls of this organ.

Large Intestines

Food then passes into the large intestines, where remaining water is absorbed and leftovers from the digestive process are held in the colon for expulsion as waste.

Liver and Pancreas

Though not part of the digestive tract, the liver and pancreas are important digestive organs because they produce the fluids that are used to break down food.

References

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Resources

• US National Library of Medicine - Digestive System