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The digestive system, with the stomach, liver, pancreas, large and small intestines, and rectum illustrated.
Figure 29.1 The digestive system breaks down food into nutrients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream to give the body energy and the ability to grow and repair itself. (attribution: Copyright Rice University, OpenStax, under CC BY 4.0 license)

The digestive system is continuously at work, yet people seldom appreciate the complex tasks it executes in a choreographed biologic performance. Eating may be one of the simple pleasures in life, but digesting even one apple requires the coordinated work of many organs. This chapter will introduce the digestive system and some common conditions that can alter any one of its functions.

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© May 15, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.