Which body system is responsible for digesting food and breaking it down into nutrients?

Which body system is responsible for digesting food and breaking it down into nutrients?

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

Answer: (D)

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients. It handles mechanical and chemical digestion—from chewing and saliva in the mouth to stomach acids and enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, then the small intestine where most absorption occurs, and finally the large intestine where water is absorbed. The nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream are then carried to cells throughout the body, including skin. The circulatory system moves these nutrients after digestion, but it does not digest food itself. The endocrine system regulates digestion with hormones, and the integumentary system protects and covers the body, not digests it.

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients. It handles mechanical and chemical digestion—from chewing and saliva in the mouth to stomach acids and enzymes that break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, then the small intestine where most absorption occurs, and finally the large intestine where water is absorbed. The nutrients absorbed into the bloodstream are then carried to cells throughout the body, including skin. The circulatory system moves these nutrients after digestion, but it does not digest food itself. The endocrine system regulates digestion with hormones, and the integumentary system protects and covers the body, not digests it.