ESOPHAGUS The liver has many functions including the storage of nutrients and

the production of bile. This bile produced by the liver is sent to the
gallbladder for storage.
Digestion begins in the mouth when we chew our food. Food
subsequently passes through the esophagus, a tube approximately
12" long. GALLBLADDER

STOMACH The gallbladder is located behind the liver. Bile is released from the
gallbladder when fat arrives in the duodenum. Bile emulsifies fat,
thus serving an important role in digestion. Waste products from the
Food then enters the stomach, which produces hydrochloric acid
liver are also eliminated via the gallbladder.
and a protein-digesting enzyme called pepsin. Pieces of food are
turned into a smooth mixture called "chyme."
SMALL INTESTINE
DUODENUM
From the duodenum, chyme takes a circuitous route through the rest
of the small intestine. At 1 inch in diameter and approximately 25
The chyme subsequently moves to the duodenum, which is the first
feet long, this is where most of digestion is accomplished. Unlike the
12 inches of the small intestine. When undigested food arrives in the
acid environment of the stomach, the small intestine environment is
duodenum, it signals the stomach to slow the movement of chyme. It
alkaline.
also receives vital secretions from the pancreas, liver, and
gallbladder for the digestion of fat.
COLON
PANCREAS
The small intestine empties into the colon. It is approximately 2
inches in diameter and 5 to 6 feet long. It removes residual water
The pancreas is located behind the stomach and sends enzymes
from food matter, and decomposes what remains.
that digest carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to the duodenum.
Hydrochloric acid from the stomach is also neutralized, thus
protecting the small intestine.

LIVER