The Digestive System

The human digestive system can be described as a tube divided into several specialized

sections. As humans, we are consumers and need energy. To keep the cells in our body

alive we eat food which supplies us energy. When we digest food, our digestive system

breaks down food into small molecules so they can then move into the blood stream.  

    Major organs in the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small

intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Food passes through all of these organs. The

other organs in the digestive system such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder produce

and store enzymes and chemicals that help break down food as it passes through the

digestive system.

    Enzymes are involved with the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. We have

enzymes in our mouth which are called salivary amylase. These enzymes are secreted in

the mouth and begin by breaking down the complex proteins. The enzymes in the

stomach contain pepsin which causes complex proteins to break down into less complex

proteins. The pancreas secrets enzymes through a tube into the small intestine. The

resultant sugars are then turned into glucose and used by the body’s cells. The rest of the

enzymes are involved in breaking down fats. Enzymes are very important to your body

because without enzymes you wouldn’t exist.   Enzymes are the ones who are responsible

for building your body. They help produce energy in the muscle and nerve cells, and in

the blood-clotting process.

    Your digestive system is mechanical and chemical. Mechanical digestion occurs when

food is chewed and mixed in the mouth, and churned in your stomach. Chemical

digestion breaks down large molecules of food into various smaller molecules that are

absorbed by cells.

    Mechanical digestion commences in your mouth. The mechanical digestion is when

your tongue and teeth break food up into small...