Regions of the Digestive System

At its simplest, the digestive system is a tube running from mouth to anus. Its chief goal is to break down huge macromolecules (proteins, fats and starch), which cannot be absorbed intact, into smaller molecules (amino acids, fatty acids and glucose) that can be absorbed across the wall of the tube, and into the circulatory system for dissemination throughout the body.

Regions of the digestive system can be divided into two main parts: the alimentary tract and accessory organs. The alimentary tract of the digestive system is composed of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus. Associated with the alimentary tract are the following accessory organs: salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

To learn more about the regions of the digestive system, use the hyperlinks listed below to branch into a specific topic.

1. Alimentary Tract of the Digestive System
   • Mouth
   • Pharynx & Esophagus
   • Stomach
   • Small and Large Intestine
2. Accessory Organs of the Digestive System
   • Salivary Glands
   • Liver
   • Gallbladder
   • Pancreas