Human Physiology/The gastrointestinal system Which organ is the
most important organ in the body? Most people would say the
heart or the brain, completely overlooking the gastrointestinal
tract (GI tract). Though definitely not the most attractive
organs in the body, they are certainly among the most important.
The 30+ foot long tube that goes from the mouth to the anus is
responsible for the many different body functions which will be
reviewed in this chapter. The GI tract is imperative for our
well being and our life-long health. A non-functioning or poorly
functioning GI tract can be the source of many chronic health
problems that can interfere with your quality of life. In many
instances the death of a person begins in the intestines. The
old saying "you are what you eat" perhaps would be more accurate
if worded "you are what you absorb and digest". Here we will be
looking at the importance of these two functions of the
digestive system: digestion and absorption. The Gastrointestinal
System is responsible