The digestive system consists of several organs that function together to break down the foods you eat into molecules your body can use for energy and nutrients. The digestive tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach,intestines, and anus.So-called “accessory” organs include the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder; food doesn’t move through these organs, but they secrete hormones and chemicals that are essential to digestion.Here’s what to know about your digestive system organs and functions.
The digestive system consists of several organs that function together to break down the foods you eat into molecules your body can use for energy and nutrients. The digestive tract includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach,intestines, and anus.
So-called “accessory” organs include the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder; food doesn’t move through these organs, but they secrete hormones and chemicals that are essential to digestion.Here’s what to know about your digestive system organs and functions.
The MouthWIN-Initiative / Getty ImagesDigestion begins in your mouth. Your teeth grind the food you eat and mix it with saliva to form a kind of ball, known as a bolus.During the mixing, an enzyme called salivary amylase starts breaking down carbohydrates. Once the food is soft and relatively flexible, the tongue pushes it to the back of your mouth and into the esophagus.
The Mouth
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Digestion begins in your mouth. Your teeth grind the food you eat and mix it with saliva to form a kind of ball, known as a bolus.
During the mixing, an enzyme called salivary amylase starts breaking down carbohydrates. Once the food is soft and relatively flexible, the tongue pushes it to the back of your mouth and into the esophagus.
The Esophagus
SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Your esophagus is a flattened muscular tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. As food is swallowed, your esophagus expands. It takes food about three seconds to pass through your esophagus, depending on the texture and consistency.
Everything You Need to Know About Your Esophagus
The StomachToshiro Shimada / Getty ImagesYour stomach is a J-shaped muscular pouch, which receives food from your esophagus and sends it to your small intestine. Inside yourstomach, food is mixed withenzymesandaciduntil it becomes a liquid, called chyme.The stomach is the main site for protein digestion and uses powerful enzymes, known as pepsins, as well as hydrochloric acid, to digest foods like meats, milk, and cheese.
The Stomach
Toshiro Shimada / Getty Images
Your stomach is a J-shaped muscular pouch, which receives food from your esophagus and sends it to your small intestine. Inside yourstomach, food is mixed withenzymesandaciduntil it becomes a liquid, called chyme.
The stomach is the main site for protein digestion and uses powerful enzymes, known as pepsins, as well as hydrochloric acid, to digest foods like meats, milk, and cheese.
The Small Intestine
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The small intestine is an approximately 20-foot-long muscular tube, which is divided into three distinct parts: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum.Each of the three parts plays a major role in digestion and absorption.
Absorption is a crucial part of the digestive process that brings the molecules from the digested food into the blood and, ultimately, the cells.
Parts of the Small Intestine
The Large Intestine
PIXOLOGICSTUDIO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
The last part of the digestive tract, the large intestine, is a muscular tube that is about 6 feet long. It’s divided into the cecum, thecolon, and the rectum.Together, these segments complete any nutrient absorption and process the waste into feces.
The Function of the Large Intestine
The AnusThe anus is the last organ of the digestive system. It is a 2-inch long canal consisting of pelvic floor muscles and two anal sphincters (internal and external) which allow you to hold in feces until you are able to get to a bathroom to release the contents into the toilet.
The Anus
The anus is the last organ of the digestive system. It is a 2-inch long canal consisting of pelvic floor muscles and two anal sphincters (internal and external) which allow you to hold in feces until you are able to get to a bathroom to release the contents into the toilet.
The Pancreas
PIXOLOGICSTUDIO / Getty Images
The Function of the Pancreas
The LiverPIXOLOGICSTUDIO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesYour liver has many functions. First, it produces bile, which the small intestine uses to help digest the fats in food.It also metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; helps regulate blood sugar levels; stores glycogen for quick energy; makes fibrinogen, which clots blood; makes vitamin A; and recycles worn-out red blood cells.Diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis, can have major complications that affect other parts of the body as the liver is involved in so many essential functions, like digestion.The Functions of the Liver
The Liver
Your liver has many functions. First, it produces bile, which the small intestine uses to help digest the fats in food.
It also metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; helps regulate blood sugar levels; stores glycogen for quick energy; makes fibrinogen, which clots blood; makes vitamin A; and recycles worn-out red blood cells.
Diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis, can have major complications that affect other parts of the body as the liver is involved in so many essential functions, like digestion.
The Functions of the Liver
The GallbladderMedicalRF.com / Getty ImagesTucked under the liver, your gallbladder is a storage container for bile, a yellow-green fluid made up of salts, cholesterol, and lecithin. Your small intestine uses bile to digest fats.Most people never think about their gallbladder until a problem withgallstones or gallbladder disease, such as cholecystitis, develops. If you have a gallbladder-related disease, you may experience jaundice.This happens when the bile cannot leave the gallbladder. Instead, the bile enters the bloodstream, which can cause your skin, eyes, and nails to appear yellow.Gallbladder: Function, Anatomy, and Associated Conditions
The Gallbladder
MedicalRF.com / Getty Images
Tucked under the liver, your gallbladder is a storage container for bile, a yellow-green fluid made up of salts, cholesterol, and lecithin. Your small intestine uses bile to digest fats.
Most people never think about their gallbladder until a problem withgallstones or gallbladder disease, such as cholecystitis, develops. If you have a gallbladder-related disease, you may experience jaundice.
This happens when the bile cannot leave the gallbladder. Instead, the bile enters the bloodstream, which can cause your skin, eyes, and nails to appear yellow.
Gallbladder: Function, Anatomy, and Associated Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn MoreOverview of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are considered accessory organs. Food does not move through them, as it does in the gastrointestinal tract, but these organs release hormones and chemicals that are essential to digestion.Learn MoreThe Role of Enzymes in Digestion
The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are considered accessory organs. Food does not move through them, as it does in the gastrointestinal tract, but these organs release hormones and chemicals that are essential to digestion.
Learn MoreThe Role of Enzymes in Digestion
In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not produce insulin, causing your blood sugar to rise. Another digestive complication of type 1 diabetes is gastroparesis, in which it takes longer than usual for the stomach to empty its contents into the small intestine.Learn MoreWhat Is Gastroparesis?
In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not produce insulin, causing your blood sugar to rise. Another digestive complication of type 1 diabetes is gastroparesis, in which it takes longer than usual for the stomach to empty its contents into the small intestine.
Learn MoreWhat Is Gastroparesis?
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Module.Accessory organs.Bornhorst GM, Singh RP.Bolus formation and disintegration during digestion of food carbohydrates.Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2012;14(4):431–445. doi:10.1111/j.1541-4337.2011.00172.xNational Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Quick anatomy lesson: Human digestive system.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.Aggarwal L, Sattavan S, Lal R, et al.Short bowel syndrome: An uncommon clinical entity and a therapeutic challenge-our experience and review of literature.Indian J Surg. 2017;79(4):349-353. doi:10.1007/s12262-017-1651-xCleveland Clinic.The structure and function of the digestive system.Dabirian A, Yaghmaei F, Rassouli M, Tafreshi MZ.Quality of life in ostomy patients: a qualitative study.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2010;5:1-5. doi:10.2147/PPA.S14508Kalaitzakis E.Gastrointestinal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis.World J Gastroenterol2014; 20(40): 14686-14695. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14686Fargo MV, Grogan SP, Saguil A.Evaluation of jaundice in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):164-168.American College of Gastroenterology.Do You Have IBS?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for gastroparesis.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Module.Accessory organs.Bornhorst GM, Singh RP.Bolus formation and disintegration during digestion of food carbohydrates.Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2012;14(4):431–445. doi:10.1111/j.1541-4337.2011.00172.xNational Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Quick anatomy lesson: Human digestive system.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.Aggarwal L, Sattavan S, Lal R, et al.Short bowel syndrome: An uncommon clinical entity and a therapeutic challenge-our experience and review of literature.Indian J Surg. 2017;79(4):349-353. doi:10.1007/s12262-017-1651-xCleveland Clinic.The structure and function of the digestive system.Dabirian A, Yaghmaei F, Rassouli M, Tafreshi MZ.Quality of life in ostomy patients: a qualitative study.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2010;5:1-5. doi:10.2147/PPA.S14508Kalaitzakis E.Gastrointestinal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis.World J Gastroenterol2014; 20(40): 14686-14695. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14686Fargo MV, Grogan SP, Saguil A.Evaluation of jaundice in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):164-168.American College of Gastroenterology.Do You Have IBS?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for gastroparesis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Module.Accessory organs.Bornhorst GM, Singh RP.Bolus formation and disintegration during digestion of food carbohydrates.Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2012;14(4):431–445. doi:10.1111/j.1541-4337.2011.00172.xNational Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Quick anatomy lesson: Human digestive system.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.Aggarwal L, Sattavan S, Lal R, et al.Short bowel syndrome: An uncommon clinical entity and a therapeutic challenge-our experience and review of literature.Indian J Surg. 2017;79(4):349-353. doi:10.1007/s12262-017-1651-xCleveland Clinic.The structure and function of the digestive system.Dabirian A, Yaghmaei F, Rassouli M, Tafreshi MZ.Quality of life in ostomy patients: a qualitative study.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2010;5:1-5. doi:10.2147/PPA.S14508Kalaitzakis E.Gastrointestinal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis.World J Gastroenterol2014; 20(40): 14686-14695. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14686Fargo MV, Grogan SP, Saguil A.Evaluation of jaundice in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):164-168.American College of Gastroenterology.Do You Have IBS?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for gastroparesis.
National Cancer Institute. SEER Training Module.Accessory organs.
Bornhorst GM, Singh RP.Bolus formation and disintegration during digestion of food carbohydrates.Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2012;14(4):431–445. doi:10.1111/j.1541-4337.2011.00172.x
National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Dysphagia.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Acid reflux (GER & GERD) in adults.
American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Quick anatomy lesson: Human digestive system.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.
Aggarwal L, Sattavan S, Lal R, et al.Short bowel syndrome: An uncommon clinical entity and a therapeutic challenge-our experience and review of literature.Indian J Surg. 2017;79(4):349-353. doi:10.1007/s12262-017-1651-x
Cleveland Clinic.The structure and function of the digestive system.
Dabirian A, Yaghmaei F, Rassouli M, Tafreshi MZ.Quality of life in ostomy patients: a qualitative study.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2010;5:1-5. doi:10.2147/PPA.S14508
Kalaitzakis E.Gastrointestinal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis.World J Gastroenterol2014; 20(40): 14686-14695. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i40.14686
Fargo MV, Grogan SP, Saguil A.Evaluation of jaundice in adults.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(3):164-168.
American College of Gastroenterology.Do You Have IBS?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition and facts for gastroparesis.
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