Insoluble nutrients like proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are converted into simple, soluble compounds throughout the digestive system by the action of enzymes.
The digestive system’s components are;
- Mouth
- Food pipe
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large Intestine
Mouth
Saliva, the tongue, and teeth are all found in the mouth. The teeth assist in chewing and chopping up food. Saliva and the chewed food are combined on the tongue. Saliva is a watery liquid that glands produce into the mouth to lubricate chewing and swallowing.
A chemical or enzyme found in saliva kick-starts the breakdown of starches by converting them into simple sugars.
Oesophagus or Food Pipe
The Oesophagus is where food from the mouth travels before entering the stomach. The muscular tube known as the oesophagus transports food from the mouth to the stomach after it has been swallowed.
To allow food to enter the stomach, a muscle ring at the end of the oesophagus relaxes, and it tightens to stop stomach contents from coming back up the oesophagus.
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular container that holds food for a while. Protein is affected by gastric juice, a colorless liquid released by glands lining the stomach, and is transformed into a digestible form.
Proteins are digested by gastric juice, which is made by the stomach wall and contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes.
Small Intestine
The partially digested food enters the small intestine where it is entirely digested by the liver’s bile and the pancreas. Blood capillaries in the finger absorb digested food in a manner similar to the villi or protrusions found in the small intestine. After being transported to the liver, it is then delivered on to the cells and tissues. The liver stores excess food.
Although it has a 3.5cm diameter, it is around 5m long to provide a large surface area for absorption, hence the name “tiny.” The small intestine is where proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are largely chemically digested.
Large Intestine
The large intestine, also known as the colon, receives food from the small intestine and is where water and salts are absorbed. Undigested food stays in the large intestine for a while before exiting the body through an aperture known as the anus.
Conditions Related to the Digestive System
- Gastro-esophageal Reflux (GERD)
When acidic stomach contents flow from the stomach back up the oesophagus, it results in gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). It makes your chest or throat feel scorching. Because peptic ulcers can occasionally be caused by increased stomach acid.
- Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is brought on by aberrant pouches in the lower portion of the large intestine becoming inflamed or infected. On the lower left side of the abdomen, it might produce minor to severe pain.
- Stomach Ulcers
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which can dwell in the stomach, which are frequently responsible for ulcers. In certain persons, they can result in chronic, mild stomach lining inflammation.
- Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids are masses in and around your lower body known as “piles”. After a few days, they frequently get better on their own. You can take steps to both treat and avoid piles.
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