Learn more about how your digestive system works and how it performs the essential task of breaking down and absorbing the food and fluids you consume each day.

What is the stomach? The stomach is a J-shaped organ that digests food. It produces enzymes (substances that create chemical reactions) and acids (digestive juices). This mix of enzymes …

Your large intestine receives the liquid food waste that’s left after your small intestine completes its part of the digestive process. It absorbs water and salts from the liquid waste and turns it …

Your pharynx (throat) is a multitasking muscular funnel that helps you breathe and directs food and liquid to your digestive system. You can keep your pharynx healthy by quitting smoking …

Jun 3, 2025 · Function What do salivary glands do? Your salivary glands’ main job is to make lots of saliva (spit). Consider this: if you’re an adult, your salivary glands make about one to two …

Your gallbladder is connected to other parts of your digestive system through a series of bile ducts called the biliary tract. The biliary tract (sometimes called biliary system or biliary tree) is a pipe …

Your mouth is responsible for many functions, including eating, breathing and speaking. Taking care of your mouth can keep you in good health.

Cholecystokinin is a hormone that’s secreted in your small intestine during digestion. It triggers your gallbladder and pancreas to deliver digestive juices.

May 13, 2024 · It helps your body break down fats in the foods you eat and makes it easier for digestive enzymes to do their job. While you may not think about bile much, it’s an important …

Your small intestine (small bowel) is an organ in your gastrointestinal tract and is part of your digestive system. It breaks down food and fluid to absorb nutrients and water.