What are the primary functions of the human digestive system?

The human digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients to provide energy and maintain bodily functions. It is a complex system consisting of many different organs and processes. The primary functions of the digestive system are:

• Ingestion: The intake of food into the mouth.
• Mechanical digestion: The physical breakdown of food into smaller pieces by chewing and the muscular contractions of the stomach and intestines.
• Chemical digestion: The breakdown of food molecules into their basic building blocks (such as proteins into amino acids, carbohydrates into sugars, and fats into fatty acids) by digestive enzymes.
• Absorption: The passage of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from the digestive tract into the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
• Elimination: The removal of waste products and indigestible material from the body as feces through the rectum and anus.

The digestive system also plays an important role in maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, producing hormones that regulate appetite and digestion, and supporting the immune system.