Digestive system

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The digestive system.

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients from the food, and ridding the body of waste products from the food. The digestive system consists of the:

  • Upper digestive tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
  • Lower digestive tract, which includes the last part of the small intestine, the large intestine, and the rectum.
  • Liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.