The digestive tract consists of a series of hollow organs that function to break down large food particles into small molecules absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy. The organs of the digestive tract include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. Other organs that function within the digestive system include the pancreas, liver and gallbladder.
Mouth Has a Neutralizing Role
One of the functions of the mouth is to either cool or warm food to a neutral temperature acceptable for the rest of the digestive tract.
Daily Saliva Production is More Than You May Think
Every day the salivary glands--small glands found in the mouth--produce approximately 1.7 liters of saliva each day, according to ThinkQuest.org. The amount of saliva produced is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, meaning that it occurs automatically. This is why people salivate at the sight, smell or even thought of food.
Peristalsis Can Defy Gravity
The digestive system functions to move food through the system. All of the digestive organs contain a lining made of smooth muscle tissue. These muscles contract in waves, a process known as peristalsis, which propel food downward. Due to this, food moves down the esophagus to the stomach, even if the person is standing on her head.
Stomach Capacity is Huge
An adult's stomach can hold approximately 1 liter of food. The stomach is a sac-like structure surrounded by a muscular wall that provides elasticity. The stomach can expand to hold four times its normal volume.
Small Intestine is at Least 20 Feet Long
After leaving the stomach, partially digested food--known as chime--enters the small intestine. The small intestine, the longest section of the digestive tract, is about 3.5 times the body length, according to Colorado State University. This 20-foot to 25-foot section of the digestive system is divided into three sections: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum.
Villli Actually Increase the Surface Area of the Small Intestines
The wall of the small intestine contains small, finger-like projections known as villi. These function to increase the surface area of the small intestines from 1/2 of a square meter to more than 250 square meters, according to Colorado State University. Because most of the nutrients from food are absorbed through the small intestine, this allows for increased absorption.
Large Intestine is Much Shorter Than the Small Intestine
The large intestine is only approximately 5 feet long, much shorter than the small intestine. The designation of "small" and "large" has to do with the width of the tube.
Large Intestine and Colon Aren't the Same Thing
Although the terms large intestine and colon are often used interchangeably to describe the same anatomical feature, the large intestine actually contains three segments: the cecum, the colon and the rectum.
Flatulence Has Several Little-known Factors
Flatulence, also known as intestinal gas, is a mixture of swallowed air, gas produced by reactions of the acid in the stomach and gas produced by bacteria in the digestive tract. It generally contains nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane.
Noise From Passing Gas is Not Related to Vibration
The noise created by passing gas is not from the two buttocks vibrating together, as many believe. The noise created occurs as the gas passes through the anal sphincter. It's influenced by a combination of the volume of gas, the force with which it's expelled and the tightness of the anal sphincter.
