Digestive Organs The mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus make up the digestive tract, which is basically a food-processing pipe about 9m (30ft) long. Associated digestive structures include three pairs of salivary glands, the pancreas, the liver, and the gallbladder, each of which has an important role. The appendix – a short, blind-ended tube attached to the large intestine – has no known function. Food is moved through the digestive tract by mascular contractions called peristalsis.   1. Mouth   Food enters the digestive system through the mouth and is cut, crushed, and ground by the teeth. The muscular tongue moves food in the mouth.   2. Pharynx   When food is swallowed it travels down the pharynx, or throat, into the oesophagus.   3. Salivary Glands   Saliva secreted by these glands lubricates food and contains enzymes that start digestion.   4. Oesophagus   This thick-walled, muscular tube connects the pharynx with the stomach.   5. Liver   This large organ processes absorbed nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances, and produces bile.   6. Stomach   This J-shaped muscular bag churns, digests, and stores food.   7. Pancreas   The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes.   8. Gallbladder   Bile produced by the liver is stored here.   9. Small Intestine   This is the major site of digestion and absorption of nutrients.   10. Large Intestine   This part of the digestive tract absorbs most of the remaining water from food residue, and forms faeces.   11. Rectum   Faeces pass into the rectum and are eliminated from the body via the anus.   12. Anus   The digestive tract ends at this body opening. Source: Human Body – An illustrated guide to every part of the human body and how it works. Published by Dorling Kindersley Limited.