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What is the Digestive Tract?

K T Solis
K T Solis

The digestive tract is a long tube within the body that consists of organs that aid in the digestion of food. Most adults have a digestive tract that is about 30 feet (9.14 m) long. When a person eats, the food uses this tube to travel from the mouth to the esophagus. After reaching the esophagus, the food moves its way to the stomach. When it arrives at the stomach, enzymes continue to break down the food.

This food moves through the small intestine to the bowel where the food is completely digested and nutrients are absorbed. Any undigested food travels to the large intestine where water and salt is eliminated from it. This material is then transformed into a brown solid material that is stored in the rectum so it can be expelled as feces.

The digestive system consists of the stomach, colon and jejunum, among other organs.
The digestive system consists of the stomach, colon and jejunum, among other organs.

The digestive tract, which is the main component of the digestive system, is an important part of the body. This is because it converts food into a material that makes it easier for the body to use for nourishment. The digestive system breaks down food into the smallest particles so they can be absorbed into the blood stream. If the digestive system is not working properly, a person can experience nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, a virus, or other problems that relate to the digestive system. If left untreated, some digestive disorders can lead to death.

The rectum is the final fecal storage area of the digestive tract.
The rectum is the final fecal storage area of the digestive tract.

People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may suffer from painful constipation, frequent diarrhea, or alternating bouts of both constipation and diarrhea. Changing to a high-fiber and low-fat diet can often help soothe these symptoms. A physician will often prescribe medication as well.

Other people who experience problems with the digestive tract may be afflicted with Crohn's disease, proctitis, or colitis. All three conditions are considered inflammatory bowel disease. Both colitis and Crohn's disease are characterized by bloody diarrhea. A person with either of the two diseases will experience abdominal pain as well.

Disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to malnutrition in a number of ways.
Disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to malnutrition in a number of ways.

Someone with proctitis will usually produce stools that contain blood. A proctitis sufferer will have difficulty with bowel movements despite the frequent urge to do so. Changes in diet and the attention of a physician are needed for those who suffer from any of these inflammatory bowel diseases.

Another disorder of the digestive tract is intestinal polyps, growths that occur in the digestive tract. People usually experience bleeding from the rectum when polyps are present. It's important that a physician removes polyps from the digestive tract, as they are believed to be the initial stages of colon cancer.

The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends with the anus and incorporates all the organs in between, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends with the anus and incorporates all the organs in between, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Colon cancer, one of the most serious disorders of the digestive tract, must be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment includes surgery to remove the cancer in addition to radiation and chemotherapy treatment. Symptoms of colon cancer are abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, a decline in health, weight loss, decrease in appetite, and fatigue.

Discussion Comments

anon69788

Has anyone had nausea as a side effect to this condition?

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    • The digestive system consists of the stomach, colon and jejunum, among other organs.
      By: snapgalleria
      The digestive system consists of the stomach, colon and jejunum, among other organs.
    • The rectum is the final fecal storage area of the digestive tract.
      By: Alexandr Mitiuc
      The rectum is the final fecal storage area of the digestive tract.
    • Disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to malnutrition in a number of ways.
      By: ancroft
      Disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to malnutrition in a number of ways.
    • The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends with the anus and incorporates all the organs in between, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
      By: maya2008
      The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends with the anus and incorporates all the organs in between, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
    • People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may suffer from painful constipation.
      By: joshya
      People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may suffer from painful constipation.
    • It's important that a physician removes polyps from the digestive tract, as they are believed to be the initial stages of colon cancer.
      By: rob3000
      It's important that a physician removes polyps from the digestive tract, as they are believed to be the initial stages of colon cancer.