Similar term(s): gastrointestinal tract, digestive system, GI tract, alimentary canal.
The digestive tract is the system of organs which takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients and expels remaining waste. It includes the mouth, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum.
After food is chewed and swallowed, the digestive juices released by the pancreas and stomach break it down into substances that are readily absorbed through the small intestine. Material that is not taken up by the body collects in the large intestine, forming faecal matter that is then excreted through the anus.
Source: GreenFacts
Source: Mariana Ruiz Villarreal
Deutsch: Verdauungstrakt
Español: Aparato digestivo
Français: Appareil digestif