Digestive System

The digestive system plays a major role in our lives, as we need to consume food multiple times a day to function optimally in all aspects of our lives, whether that be concentrating in class or participating in a sporting event. The nutrients we get from the food we eat are used to power cell processes everywhere in the body, so how these nutrients are extracted through the digestive system is very important.

The Stomach

The stomach is arguably the most famous organ in the digestive system, and yet many people don’t know what role it really plays in the digestive system. Contrary to popular belief, most food isn’t chemically broken down in the stomach. Only proteins can be chemically digested in the stomach, and everything else is physically digested by the churning of the stomach walls. Additionally, the purpose of stomach acid isn’t to digest food- it’s to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that end up in the digestive system. That actually makes it part of the immune system!

Here is a video where you can learn more about how the digestive system works.