Your body is amazing. No, really! In this new series on ‘My GI Tract’ we’re going to take an interesting journey through our gastrointestinal (GI) tract and learn how each part of this tract aids digestion.

Over the next few months, we’re going to look at each of the 10 parts of the GI tract with a step-by-step account of the digestive system’s workings. Are you ready to explore just how incredibly unique the digestive system can be? Tune in and get ready for the ride!

Here’s what we shall be exploring:

The 10 parts of the GI tract and their functions: 1. Mouth 2. Oesophagus 3. Stomach 4. Small Intestine 5. Pancreas 6. Liver 7. Gallbladder 8. Colon 9. Rectum 10. Anus

The four main components of the digestive system 1. Gastrointestinal tract 2. Pancreas, liver and gallbladder 3. The body’s enzymes, hormones, nerves, and blood 4. The mesentery

What is the digestive system?

The human digestive system (also known as the digestive tract, the GI tract, the gut or the alimentary canal) is the unsung hero of our torso. It is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and your liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

The GI tract is a muscular tube around 9 meters (30 feet) in length that runs from the mouth to the anus. The digestive tract (where are food is digested) is comprised of a series of organs. The main organs include the oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon), rectum and anus. Helping them along the way are the pancreas, gall bladder and liver adding secretions to help digestion.

What is its function?

The function of the digestive system is to break down foods (from three major food groups – carbohydrates, proteins and fats) into simple components that can be easily absorbed by the body. We eat foods to obtain energy and nourishment. Our body needs nutrients in order to stay healthy and function effectively. Nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. The digestive system breaks down and absorbs nutrients from the food to use for important things like energy, growth and cell repair.

Your gut is the only organ with its own independent nervous system, comprising of 100 million neurons embedded in the gut wall! With this in mind and together with intricate processes, the digestive system is one of the most diverse and complicated systems in the human body.

Tune in next time as we begin our journey into the depths of the GI tract, delving into the workings of the oral cavities.

To find out about how to keep your digestive system working effectively, and to book your appointment, get in touch with us now.