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gastrointestinal system

(GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul SIS-tem)
The organs that take in food and liquids and break them down into substances that the body can use for energy, growth, and tissue repair. Waste products the body cannot use leave the body through bowel movements. The gastrointestinal system includes the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. It also includes the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which make digestive juices and enzymes that help the body digest food and liquids. Also called digestive system.
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Anatomy of the digestive system; drawing shows the mouth, salivary glands, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.Enlarge this image in new window
Anatomy of the digestive system. The digestive system is made up of organs that are important for digesting food and liquids. These include the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The digestive system also includes the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which make digestive juices and enzymes that help with digestion.
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