Gastrointestinal Tract
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The gastrointestinal tract (GIT), also known as the digestive system, is a series of organs that work together to digest food and absorb nutrients. The GIT begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. The major organs of the GIT include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.
How the Gastrointestinal Tract Works
The GIT breaks down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. The process of digestion begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The saliva contains enzymes that begin to break down the carbohydrates in food. The food is then swallowed and travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
The stomach is a J-shaped organ that secretes gastric juices, which contain hydrochloric acid and enzymes that further break down food. The stomach also churns the food, which helps to mix it with the gastric juices. The food is then passed into the small intestine.
