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Digestive System

By , About.com Guide

Updated December 15, 2008

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Digestive System

The digestive system begins at the mouth and ends at the anus.

Image © NIDDK
Definition: The group of organs that break down food and absorb the nutrients used by the body for fuel. The organs in the digestive system, in the order in which food travels through them, are:
  • Mouth
  • Esophagus
  • Stomach
  • Small Intestine
  • Large Intestine
  • Rectum
  • Anus
Parts of food which cannot be broken down, digested, or absorbed are excreted as bowel movements.
Pronunciation: dy-JES-tuv sis-tum
Common Misspellings: digestave system, digesteve system, digestion system

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