Esophagus – The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. The esophagus is about 8 inches long, and is lined by moist pink tissue called mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and heart, and in front of the spine. Just before entering the stomach, the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. Your esophagus is an important part of your digestive system and your digestive tract. Your digestive tract is a series of hollow organs that carry food from your mouth to your anus. The food you eat can’t be used for energy until your digestive system breaks it down into small molecules that your body can absorb.
Stomach – The stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen. The stomach receives food from the esophagus. As food reaches the end of the esophagus, it enters the stomach through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter.
Small Intestine – The small intestine, or small bowel, is a hollow tube about 20 feet long that runs from the stomach to the beginning of the large intestine. The small intestine breaks down food from the stomach and absorbs much of the nutrients from the food.
Large intestine – The large intestine includes the colon, rectum and anus. Itās all one, long tube that continues from the small intestine as food nears the end of its journey through your digestive system. The large intestine turns food waste into stool and passes it from the body when you poop.
Muscularis – The muscularis, or muscularis externa, consists of an inner circular muscular layer and a longitudinal outer muscular layer. The coordinated contractions of these layers is called peristalsis, which propels the food through the GI tract.
Submucosa – The submucosa is a thick layer of loose connective tissue that surrounds the mucosa. This layer also contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Glands may be embedded in this layer
Liver – The liver is an organ located in the upper right part of the belly (abdomen). It is beneath the diaphragm and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. The liver controls most chemical levels in the blood. It also secretes a clear yellow or orange fluid called bile. Bile helps to break down fats, preparing them for further digestion and absorption. All of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates nutrients for the body to use.
Pancreas – The pancreas contains glands that release substances to help with digestion and control blood sugar. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are common pancreatic conditions. Other pancreas conditions include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Your pancreas plays a big role in digestion. It is located inside your abdomen, just behind your stomach. It’s about the size of your hand. During digestion, your pancreas makes pancreatic juices called enzymes. These enzymes break down sugars, fats, and starches. Your pancreas also helps your digestive system by making hormones.
Villus – Intestinal villi are a unique structural and functional unit for the luminal sensing, digestion, absorption, secretion, and immune defense in the small intestine. Subepithelial fibroblasts form three-dimensional cellular network in the villi and play major roles in these functions. Lining the folds are tiny finger-like projections called villi. Each villus (singular) is composed of connective tissue, an artery, a vein, and a strand of muscle all linked to a network of capillaries and vessels that move nutrients from the lumen of the intestine into the circulatory system.
Jejunum – The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine. The small intestine is part of the digestive system and is vital for breaking down and absorbing nutrients. It extends from the pyloric sphincter of the stomach to the ileocecal valve that connects the small intestine to the large intestine.
Esophagus – The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach. The esophagus is about 8 inches long, and is lined by moist pink tissue called mucosa. The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and heart, and in front of the spine. Just before entering the stomach, the esophagus passes through the diaphragm. Your esophagus is an important part of your digestive system and your digestive tract. Your digestive tract is a series of hollow organs that carry food from your mouth to your anus. The food you eat can’t be used for energy until your digestive system breaks it down into small molecules that your body can absorb.
Stomach – The stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen. The stomach receives food from the esophagus. As food reaches the end of the esophagus, it enters the stomach through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter.
Small Intestine – The small intestine, or small bowel, is a hollow tube about 20 feet long that runs from the stomach to the beginning of the large intestine. The small intestine breaks down food from the stomach and absorbs much of the nutrients from the food.
Large intestine – The large intestine includes the colon, rectum and anus. Itās all one, long tube that continues from the small intestine as food nears the end of its journey through your digestive system. The large intestine turns food waste into stool and passes it from the body when you poop.
Muscularis – The muscularis, or muscularis externa, consists of an inner circular muscular layer and a longitudinal outer muscular layer. The coordinated contractions of these layers is called peristalsis, which propels the food through the GI tract.
Submucosa – The submucosa is a thick layer of loose connective tissue that surrounds the mucosa. This layer also contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Glands may be embedded in this layer
Liver – The liver is an organ located in the upper right part of the belly (abdomen). It is beneath the diaphragm and on top of the stomach, right kidney, and intestines. The liver controls most chemical levels in the blood. It also secretes a clear yellow or orange fluid called bile. Bile helps to break down fats, preparing them for further digestion and absorption. All of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates nutrients for the body to use.
Pancreas – The pancreas contains glands that release substances to help with digestion and control blood sugar. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are common pancreatic conditions. Other pancreas conditions include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Your pancreas plays a big role in digestion. It is located inside your abdomen, just behind your stomach. It’s about the size of your hand. During digestion, your pancreas makes pancreatic juices called enzymes. These enzymes break down sugars, fats, and starches. Your pancreas also helps your digestive system by making hormones.
Villus – Intestinal villi are a unique structural and functional unit for the luminal sensing, digestion, absorption, secretion, and immune defense in the small intestine. Subepithelial fibroblasts form three-dimensional cellular network in the villi and play major roles in these functions. Lining the folds are tiny finger-like projections called villi. Each villus (singular) is composed of connective tissue, an artery, a vein, and a strand of muscle all linked to a network of capillaries and vessels that move nutrients from the lumen of the intestine into the circulatory system.
Jejunum – The jejunum is one of three sections that make up the small intestine. The small intestine is part of the digestive system and is vital for breaking down and absorbing nutrients. It extends from the pyloric sphincter of the stomach to the ileocecal valve that connects the small intestine to the large intestine.