Digestion in Humans

Digestion in Humans

Digestion occurs through a series of connected organs whose purpose is to break down or digest the food we eat. Food is made up of large complex substances which the digestive system breaks down into smaller simpler substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The simple molecules travel through the bloodstream to all the body cells which use them for growth, repair, and energy. All animals have a digestive system, a feature that distinguishes them from plants. Animals including man must take in food in the form of organic matter, either from plants or other animals. Digestion generally involves two phases:  A mechanical phase and  A chemical phase. In the mechanical phase, teeth or other structures physically break down large pieces of food into smaller pieces. In the chemical phase, digestive chemicals called enzymes break apart individual molecules of food to yield molecules that can be absorbed and distributed throughout the body. Glands in the body secrete these enzymes. The digestive system of most animals consists mainly of a long continuous tube called the alimentary canal, or digestive tract. This canal has a mouth at one end, through which food is taken in, and an anus at the other end, through which digestive wastes are excreted. Muscles in the walls of the alimentary canal move the food along. Most digestive organs are part of the alimentary canal. However, two accessory digestive organs, the liver and pancreas, are located outside the alimentary canal. These organs contribute to chemical digestion by releasing digestive juices into the canal through tubes called ducts.