The mouth is the first point of contact between food and our digestive system. Food enters the mouth and our teeth grind the food into smaller pieces, while our saliva starts breaking down carbohydrates. Our tongue pushes the food to the back of our throat so it can then be swallowed.

Food is then swallowed and enters the esophagus. A contraction and relaxation of muscles pushes the food along the esophagus in a wave-like motion called peristalsis.

Next, food enters the upper part of the stomach and is mixed with digestive juices. The contents of the stomach (called chyme) are then slowly emptied into the small intestine.

The small intestine is the main site of vitamin and nutrient absorption along the digestive tract. Digestive juices made by the pancreas, liver, and intestines help to break food down into components that are small enough to pass through the intestinal wall to be used by the body. Water is also absorbed by the small intestine.

The pancreas makes a digestive juice that contains enzymes which break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. These digestive juices flow from the pancreas into the intestines via a tube called a duct.

The liver makes a digestive juice called bile. Bile helps us break down fats and plays an important role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (such as Vitamin D). Bile is stored in the gallbladder between meals and is released into the intestines via the bile duct.

Food continues to be pushed through the small intestine and into the large intestine (AKA the colon) by peristalsis. Most of the remaining water is absorbed at this point along with electrolytes and certain vitamins.

The large intestine is also the site of a collection of microbes called the “microbiota”. This includes bacteria which ferment (break down) certain types of carbohydrates and make gas and other byproducts.

The very end of the large intestine is called the rectum. It is the end of the line for the intestinal contents where stool is stored and pushed out during a bowel movement.

For a detailed look at how food moves through our digestive system system, check out this video.