Given that the human body is divided by scientists and medical professionals into discreet organ systems, each of which performs a unique set of functions, it's tempting to think of these organ systems as independent of one another. In reality, however, they all work together to produce cohesive human function. The muscular system, for instance, is crucial to proper digestive function.
Function of the Muscular System
The purpose of the muscular system is to cause movement. There are several muscular subdivisions. The skeletal muscle is responsible for producing body movement and is under conscious control, explains Dr. Lauralee Sherwood in her book, "Human Physiology." The cardiac muscle, or muscle of the heart, is physically similar to skeletal muscle, but is under unconscious control. The smooth muscle is under purely unconscious control, and forms the musculature of the digestive tract and various other body organs.
Function of the Digestive System
The purpose of the digestive system, at first glance, seems far removed from that of the muscular system. The digestive system takes in food, breaks it into smaller pieces physically, and then breaks those into smaller pieces chemically. The smallest pieces can then be absorbed by the small intestine and provide for cellular nutritional needs. Waste and indigestible matter progresses through the digestive system to the anus, where it's excreted. All in all, the digestive tract is a very long, hollow organ system.
Significance
The digestive system, to function properly, depends intimately upon the muscular system. This, explains Dr. Gary Thibodeau in his book, "Anatomy and Physiology," is because the muscular system assists both in breaking food into smaller pieces and in moving food through the digestive tract. Both skeletal and smooth muscles play a role in aiding the digestive system. The tongue, jaw muscles, and throat are under conscious control, and assist in chewing and swallowing food. The muscles of the digestive tract itself are smooth, and operate unconsciously.
Considerations
Once food passes into the stomach, all muscular assistance to the digestive tract comes in the form of smooth muscles operating unconsciously. In the stomach, irregular and asynchronous contractions of smooth muscle create a beating motion, churning food into a soupy mixture by blending it with stomach juices, notes Dr. Thibodeau. Once released into the intestine, rhythmic contractions move food down the digestive tract slowly, allowing for absorption of nutrients and pushing indigestible matter toward the exit point at the anus.
Expert Insight
Since the digestive tract moves food along mechanically, it functions best when food volume or bulk is relatively high. Individuals who eat meals high in fiber, notes Dr. Sherwood, tend to have more functional digestive tracts than those who don't, simply because fiber is indigestible, but lends bulk to the material in the intestine. High fiber diets lead to reduced toxin absorption, decreased risk of constipation, and decreased risk of digestive cancers as compared to lower fiber diets.
References
- "Human Physiology"; Lauralee Sherwood, Ph.D.; 2004
- "Anatomy and Physiology"; Gary Thibodeau, Ph.D.; 2007
