The digestive system in animals is responsible for breaking down food into smaller nutrients that can be absorbed by cells for energy, growth, and repair. This system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas. When an animal eats, the food is chewed and mixed with saliva in the mouth, then swallowed and transported via the esophagus to the stomach, where it is broken down further by stomach acid and enzymes. From there, it moves to the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Any remaining waste is then moved to the large intestine, where water is absorbed and waste is eliminated through the anus. The liver and pancreas also play important roles in producing digestive enzymes and regulating nutrient levels in the blood.
