The Digestive & Urinary System The digestive system is the body system that breaks down food so that nutrients can be used by the body. The digestive system allows nutrients to be absorbed and eliminates waste from the body.

Digestion Digestion is the process by which food is broken down so that it can be used by the body’s cells. Digestion begins in the mouth. The teeth tear, cut, and grind food. The salivary glands add saliva to the ground-up food, which helps moisten the food so it can be easily swallowed.

Digestion (cont.) When you swallow, food moves into the esophagus and then into the stomach. The stomach then releases stomach acids and juices that mix with the food and produce a thick paste called chyme. One to four hours later, the chyme leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine, where the majority of digestion and absorption takes place.

Digestion (cont.) From the small intestine, undigested food moves into the large intestine, or colon. The large intestine is located below the small intestine; this is where the undigested food is prepared for elimination from the body. When the large intestine is full, the lower part contracts and solid waste leaves the body as a bowel movement. This process is referred to as defecation.

The Urinary System The urinary system is the body system that removes liquid wastes from the body. As blood circulates through the kidneys, wastes are filtered out. Urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder. As the bladder fills with urine, it expands. When full, the bladder releases urine into the urethra. From the urethra, urine passes out of the body. This process is referred to as excretion.

4 Ways To Care For Your Digestive & Urinary System 1.Drink the equivalent of at least 6-8 glasses of water each day. This helps the kidneys function properly. It also helps maintain the proper balance between water and salt. 2.Maintain healthful blood pressure. HBP damages the kidneys. 3.Eat food slowly. This helps the organs of the digestive system function at their best. 4.Eat plenty of fiber. KEY POINT- The proper amount of water and fiber in your diet helps give you “floaters”, not “sinkers”.