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# Digestive System The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into smaller particles that can be absorbed by the body. ## Main Organs and their Functions * **Esophagus:** A tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Food moves down through peristalsis. * **Stomach:** Breaks down fo...

# Digestive System The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into smaller particles that can be absorbed by the body. ## Main Organs and their Functions * **Esophagus:** A tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Food moves down through peristalsis. * **Stomach:** Breaks down food chemically and physically. It churns food and releases acids. * **Small Intestine:** Absorbs sugars, fats, and proteins into blood vessels. Small villi increase surface area for absorption. * **Large Intestine:** Reabsorbs water and vitamins. Solid waste is produced and expelled. ## Digestion vs. Absorption Digestion is the breakdown of food into smaller nutrients, while absorption is the intake of those nutrients into the blood vessels. ## Maintaining a Healthy Digestive System A balanced diet including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins helps maintain a healthy digestive system. ## Digestive System Disorders * Ulcers * Crohn's Disease * Diabetes **Diagram Description:** A hand-drawn diagram of the human digestive system is present. The diagram shows the layout of the organs, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The diagram also shows arrows indicating the flow of food through the system. It is a simple, but informative diagram, clearly labeling different organs of the digestive system.