Digestion

Digestion

The digestive system is how the body breaks down food. It can turn food into energy, the body needs to survive. Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components that are more easily absorbed into a blood stream. The amount of time that it usually takes food to go through the digestive system is about 24 to 72 hours for the average healthy adult. The esophagus moves the food to the stomach. The stomach processes and transports food and it store the food that has been eaten and turns it into chime partially digests protein, absorbs water. It produces the intrinsic factor that is very important for vitamin b12.

The small intestine is responsible for absorbing most of the nutrients that are found within our bodies. It measures somewhere around six meters. Whatever kind of foods that is not digested in the large intestine it is sent to the smaller intestine.

The large intestine reabsorbs water and maintains the fluid balance of the body. This is the lower end of the digestive system and it consists of the appendix, colon, and the rectum.

The mouth involves chewing, and chewing breaks down the food into smaller pieces that will be more easily digested. Some foods are not broken down and are usually harder to digest and they will give the body indigestion, which cause heartburn. Food should be chewed at least a few seconds closer to a minute depending on the foods that are being eaten to make sure that it is easily digested.

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. It also creates insulin for the body.

The livers main role is to process the nutrients that are absorbed by the small intestines.

The gall bladder is located under the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its main functions are it concentrates bile that is produced by the liver and it aids in fat digestion. The gall bladder stores bile.

The anus functions are to dispose of feces and other waste products that may be in the...