what is the cellular level of the digestive system

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "'digestive system' cellular" to get these possible sources:

http://www.medicalook.com/human_anatomy/systems/Digestive_system.html
(Broken Link Removed)
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=43489
http://ect.downstate.edu/courseware/histomanual/digestive.html
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/Human-Digestive-System.topicArticleId-8741,articleId-8705.html

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

The cellular level of the digestive system refers to the basic units that make up the structure and function of this system. The digestive system is composed of various organs, such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. At the cellular level, these organs are made up of different types of cells that perform specific functions to enable digestion and absorption of nutrients.

To understand the cellular level of the digestive system, you can begin by breaking it down into its major components:

1. Mouth: The cells in the mouth include epithelial cells, which line the inner surface of the mouth and help in chewing and swallowing food.

2. Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. It consists of smooth muscle cells that contract to propel food down into the stomach through a process called peristalsis.

3. Stomach: The stomach contains various types of cells, including mucous cells that secrete protective mucus, parietal cells that produce hydrochloric acid to help break down food, and chief cells that release the enzyme pepsinogen, which converts into pepsin and aids in protein digestion.

4. Small Intestine: The small intestine is where most digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs. It is lined with cells called enterocytes, which have microvilli on their surface that increase the surface area for nutrient absorption. Additionally, there are specialized cells called goblet cells that secrete mucus, as well as endocrine cells that release hormones to regulate digestion.

5. Large Intestine: The large intestine mainly functions in absorbing water and electrolytes. It consists of cells that help in reabsorption and the formation of feces.

At the cellular level, the digestive system involves a complex interaction of different types of cells working together to break down food into usable forms, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste products. Understanding the specific types and functions of cells in each organ can provide a deeper insight into how digestion occurs.