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 Digestion is the process in which food is broken down into nutrients used by the body. The digestive system is a complex series of organs connected by an elongated tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. The food we eat is processed by the digestive system and made usable by hundreds of millions of body cells.
- The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach for digestion. Some of the conditions and diseases of the esophagus can include GERD/Reflux disease, cancer, swallowing disorders and strictures.
- The stomach is a hollow organ connected to the esophagus and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) consisting of layers of muscle and nerves that begin breakdown of food. Some of the conditions and diseases of the stomach can include peptic ulcers (duodenal or gastric), cancer, polyps, and gastritis.
- The liver is an organ located at the top of the abdomen on the right side, the liver stores nutrients, changing them from one form to another and releases them into the blood. Some of the conditions and diseases of the liver can include hepatitis, cancer, and cirrhosis.
- The pancreas is a long, tapered gland which lies across and behind the stomach that produces secretions and digestive juices which break down fats, carbohydrates, proteins and acids. Some of the conditions and diseases of the pancreas can include pancreatitis and cancer.
- The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac situated just below the liver to store bile and release it when food passes from the stomach to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) to help in the process of digestion. Some of the conditions and diseases of the gallbladder can include gallstones, cholecystitis and cancer.
- The intestines consist of the small bowel and the large bowel (colon). Some of the conditions and diseases of the intestines can include appendicitis, cancer, celiac disease, Crohn's and colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, polyps, short bowel syndrome and strictures.
- The rectum and anus are located at the end of the large intestine that stores feces and pushes it out of the body. Some of the conditions and diseases of the rectum and anus can include cancer, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence.
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