Digestive system: meaning, definitions and examples

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digestive system

 

[ dɪˈdʒestɪv ˈsɪstəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

human anatomy

The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body. Food passes through a long tube inside the body known as the alimentary canal or the gastrointestinal tract.

Synonyms

GI system, gut system.

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Word Description / Examples
digestive system

Commonly used in everyday language, health education, and general medical contexts to refer to the group of organs responsible for digestion in the body.

  • The digestive system helps break down food so your body can absorb nutrients
  • Maintaining a healthy digestive system is essential for overall well-being
GI system

Abbreviation for 'gastrointestinal system', often used by healthcare professionals and in medical documentation.

  • The patient has been experiencing issues with the GI system
  • It's important to evaluate all parts of the GI system during a check-up

Examples of usage

  • The digestive system starts working as soon as food enters the mouth.
  • After the stomach, the food travels through the small intestine in the digestive system.
  • The liver and pancreas are also important parts of the digestive system.

Translations

Translations of the word "digestive system" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sistema digestivo

🇮🇳 पाचन तंत्र

🇩🇪 Verdauungssystem

🇮🇩 sistem pencernaan

🇺🇦 травна система

🇵🇱 układ trawienny

🇯🇵 消化器系 (shōkaki-kei)

🇫🇷 système digestif

🇪🇸 sistema digestivo

🇹🇷 sindirim sistemi

🇰🇷 소화 기관 (sohwa gigwan)

🇸🇦 الجهاز الهضمي

🇨🇿 trávicí systém

🇸🇰 tráviaci systém

🇨🇳 消化系统 (xiāohuà xìtǒng)

🇸🇮 prebavni sistem

🇮🇸 meltingarkerfi

🇰🇿 ас қорыту жүйесі

🇬🇪 საჭმლის მომნელებელი სისტემა

🇦🇿 həzm sistemi

🇲🇽 sistema digestivo

Etymology

The term 'digestive system' has roots in ancient Greek medicine. Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of medicine, was one of the first to recognize the importance of digestion in maintaining health. The concept of the digestive system continued to evolve over the centuries, with contributions from figures like Galen and Andreas Vesalius. Today, the understanding of the digestive system is essential in the fields of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.