Disorders and Diseases of the Digestive System

               One of the most important things that humans need is food. Food contains nutrients or substances that the body needs to grow healthy. But before the body can absorb nutrients from food, food has to be broken down first into absorbable molecules. This process of breaking down food into absorbable form is done by the digestive system. The organs of the digestive system fall into two main groups: the digestive tract and the accessory organs. The digestive tract is a muscular and mucous membrane-lined tube where food is digested and absorbed. The mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus comprise the alimentary canal. The accessory organs, on the other hand, secrete digestive enzymes that aid in digestion. These include the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder.