The Human Body: Digestive System (1980, 2nd ed)

The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that cells can use for growth, repair, and energy. This process begins in the mouth with chewing and saliva, then moves to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices, and in the small intestine, it’s further broken down by enzymes from the pancreas and liver, with nutrients then absorbed into the bloodstream. The large intestine reabsorbs water, and undigested material is eliminated. This entire process, coupled with the body’s cellular metabolism, ensures that the body receives the essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats needed for life. Keywords: digestion, digestive system, nutrients, cells, mouth, saliva, enzymes, esophagus, stomach, gastric juices, small intestine, liver, pancreas, bile, absorption, blood, large intestine, water, metabolism, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats