Final answer:
The digestive system, coming from the Latin word 'digestus' meaning to divide or distribute, functions to break down food into nutrients and eliminate waste through the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Digestive System Explained
The term digestive system refers to the organ system in the human body responsible for the breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body's cells. It derives from the Latin word digestus, meaning 'to divide or distribute', which is quite fitting since the digestive system divides food into nutrients which are then distributed throughout the body. The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), a continuous tube starting from the mouth to the anus, is where digestion and absorption take place. Major components of this system include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine with segments such as the ileum, and the large intestine. Accessory organs like the pancreas and liver produce necessary enzymes and substances for digestion. The main functions of the digestive system are digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of solid food waste.