The digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas,
gallbladder, small intestine, colon, and appendix. The esophagus
carries food to the stomach. Inside the stomach enzymes and acids break the
food down into a liquid. From there it travels through the long winding small
intestine where nutrients are absorbed. When the liquid reaches the colon, (also
known as the large intestine), it slows down. The colon absorbs the water
making the liquid more solid. At the end of the colon this solid waste is held
until it can be released.
The liver has many functions, which include producing nutrients the body needs,
removing waste from the blood, and making bile, which aids in digestion. The
gallbladder stores the bile from the liver until it is needed. The pancreas
makes insulin and also creates enzymes that aid in digestion. The function of the
appendix is unknown, but it can become infected and have to be removed.
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