Name: Digestive System in Humans
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 9 min 13 s
Description: The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory organs. Digestion involves the absorption and assimilation of food.

Question

Name the various organs which constitute the digestive system. Explain their functions briefly.

Accepted Answer

The organs which constitute the digestive system are as follows:

1) Buccal cavity: Human take food through the buccal cavity where the food is chewed and masticated. The ingested food is processed by breaking the food into small pieces by the teeth which is then lubricated by the saliva so that it can be swallowed with the help of the tongue.

2) Oesophagus: It is also called the food pipe. The oesophagus is a hollow tube made up of muscles. From this food goes into the stomach.

3) Stomach: It is a J-shaped bag-like structure. It is the widest part of the alimentary canal. The cells of gastric gland present in the mucosa of the stomach secrete hydrochloric acid. The mucus protects the inner lining of the stomach from the activity of acid. Mucous cells found all over the stomach lining and gastric pits release mucus to protect the stomach from its own digestive secretions.

4) Small intestine: It is a long, coiled and narrow tube about 7.5 m long in length. It is located below the stomach. Most absorption of nutrients and water happen in the intestines. The primary function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients and minerals found in food. Villi are small finger-like projections found inside the inner walls of the small intestine. They increase the surface area for absorption of the digested food.

5) Large intestine: It is about 1.5 m long in length. The undigested food moves in the large intestine from the small intestine. Large intestine has two parts-colon and rectum. Colon absorbs water and some salts from the undigested food. The remaining semi-solid waste i.e. faeces is egested through the anus.

6) Rectum: It is the final section of the large intestine that connects the colon to the anus.

7) Anus: It is the opening where the gastrointestinal tract ends and exits the body. The wet solid waste called faeces leaves the body through the anus.

Name the various organs which constitute the digestive system. Explain their functions briefly.

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