We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Diet

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Path of the Digestive System?

By J. Beam
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 41,347
Share

The digestive system involves a series of organs that function in cooperation of the process of breaking down food into molecules that the body either uses or disposes of. The path of the digestive system begins at the mouth where food is inserted and ends at the anus where waste is expelled. In between, are other organs, each with their own role to play in the digestive process.

Once food enters the mouth and is chewed, it enters the pharynx, which leads to the esophagus. In the path of the digestive system, the esophagus is a tube-like organ that acts as a path for food to make its way to the stomach. Food is moved through the esophagus by peristalsis muscles and kept lubricated by mucus secreted in the lining of the esophagus. The beginning and end of the esophagus contain sphincter muscles that help food enter from the pharynx and exit into the stomach.

The stomach is a significant organ in the digestive system and the initial location of digestion. The stomach secretes digestive juices, which contain hydrochloric acid that kills bacteria and prepares protein for breakdown by pepsin enzymes. The acid in digestive juices is so strong that the stomach must also produce a mucus lining that keeps it from digesting itself. Once the food has been partially digested, it continues down the path of the digestive system to the small intestine.

The small intestine is comprised of three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The small intestine measures an astounding average of about six meters (19.6 feet) in length and is where the majority of enzymatic digestion takes place. Organs such as the liver, pancreas, and gall bladder secrete chemicals into the small intestine that also help the body digest carbohydrates and fats. When food is ready to leave the small intestine and enter the large intestine, it passes through the ileocecal valve.

The large intestine, also called the colon, plays a role in digestion by reabsorbing water and aids in the final absorption of nutrients. Once reaching the large intestine, stomach contents that have not been digested, along with food molecules that have not been used by the body, become waste. This waste is known as fecal matter and is stored in the rectum, which is essentially the end of the large intestine. Waste is then expelled through the anus during defecation, a bodily process controlled by both the involuntary and voluntary sphincter.

It takes an average of 24 to 48 hours for food to complete the entire journey in the path of the digestive system. Bacteria, viruses and excessive amounts of non-nutritive foods can alter the functioning of the digestive system. Imbalances in the production of digestive chemicals can also interfere with digestive functions and may speed up or slow down waste removal.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Sporkasia — On Feb 03, 2014

The stomach is an amazing organ. I find it interesting that is able to keep a balance between the strong acidic juices needed for digestion and the mucus lining needed to protect the organ from its own secretions.

By Animandel — On Feb 02, 2014

Drentel - I hope you are not disappointed, but the colon is actually not as long as the small intestine. It is called the large intestine not because of its length, but rather because of its diameter, which is a couple inches more than the diameter of the small intestines.

The colon is about 5 feet in length. When talking about length, it's no small intestine, but five feet seems long too, considering the space it occupies. Plus when you add the two organs you get a total of about 25 feet of intestines.

By Drentel — On Feb 01, 2014

Is it just me or is anyone else blown away by the length of the small intestine? I cannot believe that the small intestine measures over nineteen and a half feet and it can fit in such a small area. I remember learning that in health class when I was in grade school, but I had forgotten. It still boggles my mind.

Does anyone know the length of the colon?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-the-path-of-the-digestive-system.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.