How does the digestive system work?

Answer by  knightmare (1231)

It starts with the mouth, where you chew food so it fits down the esophagus into the stomach. The stomach breaks down the food even further with acid, and it passes into the small intestine which absorbs the nutrients. It passes to the large intestine which absorbs water from indigestible food, and is then passed to the rectum.

Answer by  Travis404607 (3916)

The digestive system works by using gravity and peristalsis to move food along. Vitamins are absorbed from food at different spots, and the enzymes help digest it.

Answer by  Tonybone (80)

Enzymes and acid break food down into smaller substances which the small intestines can readily absorb. These absorbed substances then provide the body with the energy to function. The large intestines absorb water. Whatever does not get absorbed becomes excreted as feces.

Answer by  nursepractitionerlisa (793)

First, the mechanical forces of teeth and tongue break it down. Digestive enzymes start and a mechanical process of wave-like motions begin in the esophagus and continue to thr anus. As the food passes through the various parts of the intestine, it is checmically processes with acids. Some is resorbed back into the blood. The rest is eliminated as stool.