Our digestive system plays a vital role in contributing to the health of the whole body. The digestive system is approximately 8-9 metres long. The digestive system includes a number of different organs that work together to help break down the food we eat, so that the nutrients can be used and absorbed by the body. It is also lined with bacteria and other microorganisms known as the intestinal microbacteria that help stimulate the digestive process and aid the absorption of nutrients. Our digestive system would not function efficiently without our intestinal microbacteria. Hover/tap on the image below for more information.