Anatomy of the digestive system
The Oesophagus
The oesophagus is the swallowing pipe. It is a simple muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. When you swallow, the muscles of the oesophagus work to push the food in a coordinated way down into the stomach where it is made ready to be absorbed into the body
FUN FACT: You can eat standing on your head because the muscles work against gravity (but it sure is difficult…)
The Stomach
The stomach is one of the main organs of digestion. It has a volume of approximately 1.5 L although can expand significantly following the consumption of food and drink. The stomach releases chemicals to help digest the food and to protect the body from bacteria and viruses.
The stomach is normally located just below the nipple line, slightly to the left of the midline of the body. Its shape resembles that of a J although it varies between people.
The stomach can be divided into several parts: the fundus, body and pylorus.
The Small Bowel
The small bowel carries food away from the stomach for absorption. The first part of the small bowel is called the duodenum. The next part is the jejunum and the last part is called the ileum.
The small bowel is the place where sugars and other nutrients from the food are absorbed into the body. Nutrients give energy, encourage growth, and satisfy hunger.
The Large Bowel
Once the food has passed through the small bowel, it enters the large bowel where most of the water is absorbed. Without the large bowel, poo would be incredibly watery!
After most of the useful content of the food has been absorbed, the remainder is stored towards the end of the large bowel. This is called the sigmoid colon.
Going to the Toilet
When the body determines it is time to go to the toilet, and you are ready to relieve yourself, the poo will pass from the sigmoid colon, through the rectum and out of the anus. Babies have no control over the last stage and will therefore poo whenever their body tells them too. Fortunately, adults are able to control when they poo to avoid socially awkward situations!