An overview of the structures, functions and disorders of the digestive system.
The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract and other organs that help in digestive processes.
The digestive tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long tube from the mouth to the anus. Organs that make up the digestive tract are the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine─also called the colon─rectum, and the anus.
The digestive system functions to provide body cells with nourishment. Food is taken into the digestive tract, where it is broken down into smaller substances or molecules. These smaller molecules are then transported to other parts of the body through the blood.
The Digestive Process
Digestion starts in the mouth where large food particles are broken down into smaller ones. The food particles then move into the stomach where digestion continues. Muscles of the wall of the stomach along with enzymes produced by stomach cells break down the food particles and convert it into a semi-fluid liquid called chyme. Chyme then moves from the stomach to a long tube called the small intestine.
Enzymes and other substances produced by cells in the small intestine, liver, and pancreas help in breaking down most of the food particles into smaller, easily absorbable substances. From here, nutrients and molecules are absorbed and transported by blood to other parts of the body, where it can be used as energy. Some of the absorbed molecules are used to build or repair tissues and organs.
The final process of digestion occurs in the large intestine-also called the colon-through the activity of bacteria that normally live within the colon. The colon absorbs water, ions, and vitamins such as vitamin K and some B vitamins.
Disorders of the Digestive System
Digestivesystem disorders or diseases occur when problems arise as a result of a change in the shape of the digestive tract; the way it connects to other organs is abnormal; or abnormalities in supporting muscles or structures. Digestive problems that result from these abnormalities may be collectively referred to as anatomic problems or anatomical problems of the digestive tract.
Examples of anatomic problems of the digestive tract include: (The following links will lead you to a more detailed discussion about the disorder.)
Digestive problems may also occur when nerves controlling the digestive system is damaged such as Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is usually occurs as a result of uncontrolled diabetes.
Diseases or disorders of the liver and pancreas include:
Source: Scientific information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. NIDDK, NIH, DHHS.
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract and other organs that help in digestive processes.
The digestive tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long tube from the mouth to the anus. Organs that make up the digestive tract are the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine─also called the colon─rectum, and the anus.
The digestive system functions to provide body cells with nourishment. Food is taken into the digestive tract, where it is broken down into smaller substances or molecules. These smaller molecules are then transported to other parts of the body through the blood.
The Digestive Process
Digestion starts in the mouth where large food particles are broken down into smaller ones. The food particles then move into the stomach where digestion continues. Muscles of the wall of the stomach along with enzymes produced by stomach cells break down the food particles and convert it into a semi-fluid liquid called chyme. Chyme then moves from the stomach to a long tube called the small intestine.
Enzymes and other substances produced by cells in the small intestine, liver, and pancreas help in breaking down most of the food particles into smaller, easily absorbable substances. From here, nutrients and molecules are absorbed and transported by blood to other parts of the body, where it can be used as energy. Some of the absorbed molecules are used to build or repair tissues and organs.
The final process of digestion occurs in the large intestine-also called the colon-through the activity of bacteria that normally live within the colon. The colon absorbs water, ions, and vitamins such as vitamin K and some B vitamins.
Disorders of the Digestive System
Digestivesystem disorders or diseases occur when problems arise as a result of a change in the shape of the digestive tract; the way it connects to other organs is abnormal; or abnormalities in supporting muscles or structures. Digestive problems that result from these abnormalities may be collectively referred to as anatomic problems or anatomical problems of the digestive tract.
Examples of anatomic problems of the digestive tract include: (The following links will lead you to a more detailed discussion about the disorder.)
Gastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseDigestive problems may also be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites:
Anatomic Problems of the Colon Malrotation Hernia: Inguinal Hernia and Abdominal Hernia
Small Bowel and Colonic Intussusception
Fistulas
Colonic Atresia
Volvulus
Imperforate Anus
HepatitisFor some disorders of the digestive system, the specific cause is not fully known or understood. Some of these conditions include:
Peptic Ulcers
Diarrhea
Amebiasis
Foodborne Diseases
Biliary AtresiaDisorders such as Celiac Disease is considered as a genetic disease, meaning it runs in the family. Other conditions that may run in the family includes Crohn’s disease.
Crohn’s Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Digestive problems may also occur when nerves controlling the digestive system is damaged such as Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is usually occurs as a result of uncontrolled diabetes.
Diseases or disorders of the liver and pancreas include:
CirrhosisFor a more comprehensive list of digestive disorders, visit our Digestive Disorders Topic Index page.
Hepatitis
Liver Disease
Pancreatitis
Gallstones
Source: Scientific information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. NIDDK, NIH, DHHS.
Page Last Revised: August 2, 2012
