DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Meaning and
Definition
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The digestive system refers to a complex network of organs and processes responsible for the breakdown, absorption, and elimination of food and waste within an organism. It is an essential bodily system that facilitates the conversion of ingested food into nutrients that can be utilized for energy and the maintenance of overall health.
The digestive system begins with the ingestion of food through the mouth, where mechanical and chemical digestion by the saliva begins. The food then enters the esophagus, which transports it into the stomach for further breakdown. In the stomach, powerful acid and enzymes work together to break the food down into a semi-liquid mass called chyme. From the stomach, chyme enters the small intestine where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs. The small intestine is lined with finger-like protrusions called villi, which enhance nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.
After passing through the small intestine, undigested materials enter the large intestine, also known as the colon. The colon absorbs water and electrolytes from the remaining waste, while also harboring bacteria that aid in the breakdown of certain substances. The waste material, known as feces, is then stored in the rectum until it is eliminated through the anus during the process of defecation.
The digestive system is regulated by the central nervous system and various hormones, ensuring the correct timing and coordination of its processes. It plays a crucial role in providing the body with essential nutrients while simultaneously removing waste products, contributing to maintaining a healthy and balanced internal environment.
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The digestive tract from the mouth to the anus with all its associated organs and glands, apparatus digestorius.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
- sigestive system
- xigestive system
- cigestive system
- figestive system
- rigestive system
- eigestive system
- dugestive system
- djgestive system
- dkgestive system
- dogestive system
- d9gestive system
- d8gestive system
- difestive system
- divestive system
- dibestive system
- dihestive system
- diyestive system
- ditestive system
- digwstive system
Etymology of DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The term "digestive system" is derived from the Latin word "digestivus", which means "digestive". This word, in turn, is derived from the Latin verb "digestus", which means "to break down" or "to dissolve". The term "digestive system" refers to the collection of organs and structures in the body that work together to break down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use.
Similar spelling words for DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
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