How does the human digestive system work?

The human digestive system is a complex series of organs and processes that work together to break down food and extract nutrients from it. The process starts in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva, which contains enzymes that start the digestion of carbohydrates.

The food then travels through the esophagus and into the stomach, where it is mixed with digestive juices and broken down further. From the stomach, the partially digested food enters the small intestine, where most of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The small intestine is lined with finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area for absorption.

The remaining waste products then pass into the large intestine, where water is absorbed and the waste is formed into solid feces. The feces are stored in the rectum until they are eliminated from the body through the anus.

Various factors can affect the digestive system, including diet, stress, and medical conditions. Some common digestive disorders include acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).