Final answer:
The digestive system works in a coordinated manner where the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines digest food mechanically and chemically with the aid of the nervous, cardiovascular, and muscular systems. Nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, and waste is expelled through the large intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
How All Parts of the Digestive System Work Together
The digestive system is a complex network of organs that work together to break down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair. When you eat, for example, a bite of chicken salad with celery, the digestive process begins in the mouth where mechanical and chemical digestion starts. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates while your teeth grind the food into smaller pieces.
From the mouth, the food travels down the esophagus to the stomach, propelled by rhythmic contractions known as peristalsis, which is part of the involvement of the muscular system. In the stomach, gastric juices further break down the food into a semi-liquid form. The cardiovascular system plays a role by increasing blood flow to the digestive organs to provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen for this process.
After the stomach, the food moves into the small intestine where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder release bile and enzymes to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The lining of the small intestine is full of tiny blood vessels, where nutrients enter the bloodstream and are transported to cells throughout the body. Finally, indigestible waste is moved into the large intestine, where water is absorbed before the waste is excreted. The nervous system coordinates these processes by sending signals to different organs to control the pace and efficiency of digestion through nerve impulses and hormone release.