Understanding the digestive system

Food passes down the oesophagus (gullet) into the stomach. The stomach produces acid which helps to digest food.

After being mixed in the stomach, food passes into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). In the duodenum and the rest of the small intestine, food mixes with enzymes (chemicals).

The enzymes come from the pancreas and from cells lining the intestine. The enzymes break down (digest) the food which is absorbed into the body.

For more information visit the CORE (Digestive Diseases Foundation) website.