All animals, fungi and humans are heterotrophs. A heterotroph is
an organism that obtains their nutrition by breaking down
organic molecules in foods. The digestive system varies
depending on the type of organisms; Fungi have the simplest
system and humans having the most elaborate. Like the digestive
systems in all organisms, the digestive system of the human is
vital for survival.
Most of the organs in the human body play a roll in the
digestion of nutrients. A nutrient basically is any element or
compound essential to maintain life and health. Nutrients can be
split up into 2 parts; Essential nutrients and Non-essential
nutrients. Essential nutrients include vitamins, minerals, amino
acids, fatty acids and some carbohydrates as a source of energy.
Non-essential nutrients are nutrients which the body has the
ability to synthesis from other compounds, as well as, from food
sources. Macro nutrients are nutrients that the body needs to
acquire daily in large amounts to sustain good health, and micro
nutrients are nutrients the body needs very little of and are
often stored in the body; both are vital. These nutrients are
found in the food we eat, this is where the body must break down
and digest the food and "extract" the nutrients from it.
Believe it or not, gravity helps the body digest food. Think of
the Dige
stive System as an organic assembly line that starts at the
mouths and ends at the anus and urethra. There is anywhere from
10 main parts to 100's of parts of the digestive system,
depending on how detailed it needs to be explained. The
digestive system is truly a marvelous attribute we have and
should not be taken for granted, or be neglected. This is why a
good general knowledge of the digestive system is important, not
only for self/health awareness, healthy living and BIO class but
because it is indeed, truly fascinating.
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