Wikijunior:Human Body/DigestiveSystem
Our bodies need food to live and grow. Digestion is the process of taking the food and drink we eat and getting it ready for all the parts of the body to use. The digestive system break down food and carries it to all parts of the body.
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What does the digestive system look like?
The digestive system looks like a long connected set of tubes and organs. It is about 9 meters long. It starts with the mouth. The esophagus is a long tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, which is within the ribcage. The stomach forms a pouch and is located under the ribcage. The stomach connects to the small intestine. This is a long skinny tube that is about 7 long and winds forth and back within the abdominal cavity. This then connects to the large intestine which is larger in diameter and much shorter. The liver and the pancreas are glands which produce fluids that help with digestion - similar to the saliva produced in the mouth.
What are the parts of the digestive system?
The digestive system starts with the mouth, where food and drinks enter our body. In our mouth, our teeth and tongue do part of the work of breaking food down into smaller pieces. Saliva or spit has enzymes that also help break food down.
After we chew and swallow food, it goes down a tube called the esophagus. This tube goes from the mouth to the stomach. In the stomach, food is broken down more. The stomach has gastric juices that help digest food. These chemicals break food down into smaller pieces. After this happens, the food is passed on to the small intestine.
The small intestine is a very long twisting tube. This is where most digestion happens. Here the food mixes with juices from the liver and the pancreas. These chemicals break the food down so it can be absorbed into the blood. The small intestine is lined with blood vessels that absorb the nutrients from food.
Whatever is left over goes on to the large intestine. From there, the waste finally passes out of the body.
What is the function of the digestive system?
The job of the digestive system is to take the food we eat and make it usable for our bodies. The digestive system breaks down the food so our body can use it. It also separates out waste products that the body cannot use.
How does the digestive system interact with other parts of the body?
The digestive system works with the circulatory system to get nutrients to all the parts of our body. After food is broken down and reaches the small intestine, blood vessels absorb the nutrients. The blood then carries the nutrients to cells all over the body.
The digestive system also works with the excretory system. Parts of the food we can't use go into the large intestine. From there, they pass out of the body as waste.
How can you keep your digestive system healthy?
A big part of keeping your digestive system healthy is eating healthy food. Try not to eat too much or too little. Make sure to chew your food well. It is also good to include fiber in your diet. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating yogurt can also add healthy bacteria to your body. Don't eat too much "junk food." This includes foods that are high in sugar or fat. If certain foods often make your stomach hurt or cause digestive problems, try cutting back or eliminating them from your diet.
Lastly, make sure to drink plenty of water. If you live somewhere where the water is not treated, make sure the water is boiled first.
