Overview of the components of the human digestive system, together with a brief description of their

Pharynx (throat)
Mouth
Major Organs
Oral cavity. Its teeth break food into smaller
bits. Tongue mixes food with saliva.

Pharynx (throat)Entrance to the gut and respiratory system.
Action of the epiglottis keeps food from
entering the trachea.
EsophagusMuscular tube through which
food moves to the stomach.
StomachJ-shaped muscular sac that receives food
and mixes it with gastric fluid secreted by
cells in its lining.
Small Intestine Longest tube of the gut. Its first part
receives secretions from the liver, gallbladder,
and pancreas. These secretions
help complete the process of digestion.
Most water and products of digestion
are absorbed across the highly folded
wall of this organ.
Large Intestine (colon) Wider than the small intestine, but shorter.
It absorbs most remaining water, thus
concentrating any undigested waste
and forming the feces.
Rectum Expandable sac that stores feces.
Anus Opening through which feces
are expelled from the body.

Accessory Organs

Salivary Glands
Produce and secrete saliva,
which moistens food and
begins the process of
carbohydrate digestion.
Liver
Produces bile, which aids
digestion and absorption
of fats.

Gallbladder
Stores and concentrates
bile, then secretes it into
the small intestine.
Pancreas
Secretes enzymes and
bicarbonate (a buffer)
into the small intestine.