1. The Mouth (Ingestion)
Digestion starts here! Teeth mechanically break down food, while salivary glands secrete enzymes like amylase to begin breaking down carbohydrates.
2. The Esophagus (Transport)
Once you swallow, the food travels down this muscular tube. Rhythmic muscle contractions called peristalsis safely push the food down into the stomach.
3. The Stomach (Mixing & Breaking Down)
The stomach acts as a mixer, using powerful gastric acids and enzymes to break down proteins and turn the food into a liquid mixture called chyme.
4. Small Intestine (Absorption)
With help from the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, the small intestine breaks the food down completely and absorbs almost all nutrients into the bloodstream.
5. Large Intestine (Waste Processing)
Whatever cannot be digested enters the large intestine. Here, water is absorbed back into the body, turning the remaining waste into solid stool for elimination.