The organ system that includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine is the ______ system.

The organ system that includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine is the ______ system.

• A. Digestive
• B. Circulatory
• C. Respiratory
• D. Endocrine

Answer: (A)

Identifying which organ system handles the processing of food from entry to elimination. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine form the digestive tract, whose main job is to break down food and absorb nutrients while eventually eliminating waste. The mouth and teeth begin mechanical and chemical digestion, the esophagus moves food down by peristaltic waves, the stomach uses acid and enzymes to start digestion, the small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs, and the large intestine reclaims water and forms stool. Because these organs work together specifically to digest food and absorb nutrients, they belong to the digestive system. Other systems have different primary roles: the circulatory system transports blood and nutrients through vessels, the respiratory system handles gas exchange, and the endocrine system regulates body processes through hormones.

Identifying which organ system handles the processing of food from entry to elimination. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine form the digestive tract, whose main job is to break down food and absorb nutrients while eventually eliminating waste. The mouth and teeth begin mechanical and chemical digestion, the esophagus moves food down by peristaltic waves, the stomach uses acid and enzymes to start digestion, the small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs, and the large intestine reclaims water and forms stool. Because these organs work together specifically to digest food and absorb nutrients, they belong to the digestive system. Other systems have different primary roles: the circulatory system transports blood and nutrients through vessels, the respiratory system handles gas exchange, and the endocrine system regulates body processes through hormones.