Tell me about the gastrointestinal system.
Answer
The gastrointestinal system is not one organ, but it is a series of specialized regions, each with unique anatomy. The key functions of the GI tract is to provide mechanical digestion, chemical digestion, absorption, peristalsis, and waste elimination. The tube starts at the mouth with mechanical digestion: chewing, churning, and mixing broken down food into smaller pieces, and ends at the anus for waste elimination.
The mouth starts mechanical and enzymatic digestion. The esophagus transports food via peristalsis. The stomach contains acid and enzymes to begin protein digestion. Accessory organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder) supply bile and enzymes essential for digestion. The small intestine is the major site of digestion and nutrient absorption. The large intestine absorbs water and forms stool. The large intestine compacts and expels undigested material.
Without this coordinated system, the body couldn't get energy to build tissues, or maintain essential functions.