Digestive System

Contents of this Article

Why is Digestion Important?

When we eat such things as bread, meat, and vegetables, they are not in a form that the body can use as nourishment. Our food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients before they can be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body.

Digestion is the process by which food and drink are broken down into their smallest parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells and to provide energy.

The digestive system with the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, large intestine, * small intestine, appendix, rectum, and anus.

Definitions For This Page - In Alphabetical Order

* Small Intestine
The small intestine is the organ where most digestion occurs. It measures about 22 feet and includes the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. More about Small Intestine.

References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
April 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Nexium - Esomeprazole Aciphex - Rabeprazole Prevacid - Lansoprazole Prilosec - Omeprazole Prilosec OCT Protonix - Pantoprazole

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool that is used to determine if you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese, and whether your health is at risk due to your weight.
Body Mass Index Calculator & Chart

GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease - GERD

What is GERD? Causes of GERD Diet for GERD Infant GERD Children 1 - 11 Years Old Medication for GERD Symptoms of GERD GERD Surgery GERD Treatment

Heartburn Information

What is Heartburn? Causes of Heartburn Symptoms of Heartburn Heartburn Medications Heartburn Remedy

Ulcers

What is an Ulcer? Ulcer Causes and Risks Symptoms of Ulcers Treatment of Ulcers Ulcers & NSAIDs

Articles

Can Flatulence Be Controlled? Lump In Throat Proton Pump Inhibitors Remedies for GERD

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The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.