What is the purpose of the digestive system, and name one major organ involved in digestion?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The digestive system’s primary purpose is to break down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. This complex process involves the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.
Major Organs Involved in Digestion:
- Mouth: Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva containing enzymes that start the chemical digestion of carbohydrates.
- Esophagus: After swallowing, the esophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach through peristalsis, a series of wave-like muscle contractions.
- Stomach: In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, which further break down food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.
- Small Intestine: The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption. It receives bile from the liver and digestive enzymes from the pancreas, which aid in digesting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The inner lining of the small intestine contains villi, tiny hair-like structures that increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
- Large Intestine: Also known as the colon, the large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining indigestible food matter, forming solid waste (feces) that is eventually expelled from the body.
- Liver: The liver produces bile, essential for emulsifying fats, facilitating their digestion and absorption in the small intestine.
- Pancreas: The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which are released into the small intestine to aid in digesting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Each of these organs plays a vital role in ensuring that the body receives the necessary nutrients from the food we consume. The coordinated function of these organs allows for the efficient processing of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste, maintaining overall health and homeostasis.