Digestive System
function
Digestion is the breakdown of food into small molecules, which are then absorbed into the body. The digestive system is divided into two major parts
the functions
.The stomach is the main food storage tank of the body. If it were not for the stomach’s storage capacity, we would have to eat constantly instead of just a few times each day
.The small intestine is a long, highly convoluted tube in the digestive system that absorbs about 90% of the nutrients from the food we eat.
.The anus is a canal at the end of the digestive tract through which feces is expelled. It is about five inches long and is an extension of the rectum.
.The liver performs many essential functions related to digestion, metabolism, immunity, and the storage of nutrients within the body.
.The gallbladder is a small storage organ located inferior and posterior to the liver. Though small in size, the gallbladder plays an important role in our digestion of food.
.The pancreas is a glandular organ in the upper abdomen, but really it serves as two glands in one: a digestive exocrine gland and a hormone-producing endocrine gland.
why digestion of large food molecules is essential.
First, many compounds from the food we consume is not suitable for people tissues. this food needs to be broken down and reassembled. the molecules need to be very small to be absorbed in the villi in the intestine.
the need for enzymes in digestion.
large molecules of food that can not be absorbed in our body are broken. The digestion can occur at normal body temperature In order to speed up the process needs to be an increase in temperature , but this increase may inhibit other bodily functions.
Cirrhosis
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing. May be related to GERD (see above), esophageal tumor or other causes.