Various Types of Human Digestive Organs

Description: The oropharynx is the part of the pharynx located behind the mouth and is the only other anatomical structure to contain both food and air. A flap of tissue called the epiglottis covers the larynx and windpipe during swallowing.

Description: The esophagus is a muscular tube behind the windpipe that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach. It undergoes peristalsis (rhythmic contraction and relaxation) to move the chewed particles downward.

Description: The stomach is an organ made of smooth muscle and lymphatic tissue. It contains gastric and enzymes acid that begin the chemical digestion of food and break down large matter into smaller pieces. The parietal cells of the stomach produce intrinsic factor which is conjugated to vitamin B12, a necessary step for the vitamin's absorption. The stomach absorbs some ions and lipid soluble compounds.

Description: The small intestine receives bile from the gall bladder to aid in breaking down digested food matter into its components - lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids. Folds in the intestinal wall absorb nutrients. The intestines undergo peristalsis to keep the matter moving through.

Description: The large intestine is also called the colon or the bowel. It absorbs water from the remaining undigested food material (cellulose).