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The digestive system is made up of several organs that work together to break down food and absorb nutrients.
The mouth is the first organ in the digestive system. It is responsible for mechanically breaking down food through chewing and mixing it with saliva, which contains enzymes that begin the process of chemical digestion.
The food then travels down the oesophagus and into the stomach, where it is further broken down by stomach acid and enzymes. The stomach also churns the food, mixing it with digestive juices to create a liquid called chyme.
Next, the chyme moves into the small intestine, where most of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The small intestine is lined with villi and microvilli, which increase the surface area for absorption.
The large intestine, or colon, is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from the remaining waste products. The waste is then eliminated through the rectum and anus.
Other organs that play a role in digestion include the liver, which produces bile to aid in the digestion of fats, and the pancreas, which produces enzymes that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Overall, the digestive system is a complex network of organs that work together to ensure that the body receives the nutrients it needs to function properly.
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