What Are the 4 Roles of the Digestive System?

The digestive system is responsible for many important tasks. At andy paras bog, we share articles about digestive issues, health and fitness, diabetes, hemorrhoids and nutrition. Let’s explore the 4 key roles of the digestive system and the common diseases associated with it.

What Are the 4 Roles of the Digestive System?

What is the Digestive System and What Does It Do?

The digestive system includes the digestive tube and digestive glands. Its main job is to move food from the mouth to the anus. The food travels through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

The journey starts in the mouth, goes down the esophagus (about 25 cm long), moves through the stomach, and then into the small intestine (about 6 meters long), which includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Finally, the large intestine moves waste into the rectum.

There are four main roles the digestive system plays

1. Ingestion

Ingestion is the process where food enters the stomach. The food first passes through the esophagus then the stomach holds and breaks it down chemically.

2. Digestion

The stomach digests proteins and helps absorb vitamin B12. Special glands in the stomach produce acid that turns food into liquid, aiding digestion.

3. Absorption

The small intestine—made up of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum—exposes nutrients to digestive enzymes and bile from the pancreas and liver. Nutrients are absorbed into the body, while water is absorbed into the blood.

4. Excretion

The colon stores waste, eliminates it, and absorbs water. Waste is stored in the rectum until it’s ready to be excreted.

Diseases of the Digestive System

There are many diseases that can affect the digestive system, such as:

• - Crohn’s disease
• - Pinworms
• - Ulcers
• - Hemorrhoids
• - Gallstones

These problems are often linked to other conditions.

Obesity

Obesity is caused by excess weight, and it can be measured by the body mass index (BMI). If BMI is over 30 kg/m², it is considered obesity. Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Common causes include poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and genetic factors.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when there’s too much sugar in the blood, often due to insulin issues. A fasting blood sugar level of 1.26 g/l or higher indicates diabetes.

There are different types of diabetes, with causes including:

• Immune system issues
• Poor diet
• Genetic factors
• Lack of physical activity

Symptoms of Digestive System Issues

Digestive problems can affect the entire system or just one organ. Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Regurgitation
• Digestive bleeding
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Abdominal pain  
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting

If digestive issues are related to diabetes, look for these signs:

• Frequent urination  
• Constant tiredness  
• Dry skin  
• Blurry vision  
• Increased thirst and hunger  
• Tingling in hands or feet

Conclusion  

The digestive system plays an essential role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. Understanding its functions and recognizing potential problems can help you take care of your health.

Medical Sources

- National Institutes of Health (NIH): [https://www.nih.gov]

- Mayo Clinic: [https://www.mayoclinic.org]

- Cleveland Clinic: [https://my.clevelandclinic.org]