How does the digestive system work?

The digestive system is a complex series of organs and processes that work together to break down food and absorb nutrients. It begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The saliva contains enzymes that start to break down carbohydrates. From there, the food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach, where it is mixed with stomach acid and digestive enzymes. The stomach churns the food into a liquid form, which is then released into the small intestine.

In the small intestine, enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The walls of the small intestine absorb the nutrients into the bloodstream, which then carries them to the liver. The liver processes the nutrients and distributes them to the rest of the body.

The waste products of digestion travel through the large intestine, where water is absorbed and the remaining waste is formed into feces. The feces are eliminated from the body through the rectum and anus.