Learn more about how your digestive system works and how it performs the essential task of breaking down and absorbing the food and fluids you consume each day.

What is the stomach? The stomach is a J-shaped organ that digests food. It produces enzymes (substances that create chemical reactions) and acids (digestive juices). This mix of enzymes …

Your gallbladder is connected to other parts of your digestive system through a series of bile ducts called the biliary tract. The biliary tract (sometimes called biliary system or biliary tree) is a pipe …

Your mouth is responsible for many functions, including eating, breathing and speaking. Taking care of your mouth can keep you in good health.

Your large intestine receives the liquid food waste that’s left after your small intestine completes its part of the digestive process. It absorbs water and salts from the liquid waste and turns it …

Mar 3, 2023 · The primary function of the rectum is to collect and hold your poop until it’s time to release it. Your rectum relaxes and stretches to accommodate the waste as it gradually comes …

Your anus is the end of your large intestine, where food waste completes its journey through your digestive tract and makes its exit. Muscles, nerves and mucous membranes in your anus work …

Your small intestine (small bowel) is an organ in your gastrointestinal tract and is part of your digestive system. It breaks down food and fluid to absorb nutrients and water.

A note from Cleveland Clinic Your digestive and respiratory systems depend on a healthy pharynx (throat). Your pharynx helps get air to your lungs and food and fluid to your stomach. You can …

Jun 3, 2025 · Function What do salivary glands do? Your salivary glands’ main job is to make lots of saliva (spit). Consider this: if you’re an adult, your salivary glands make about one to two …