The digestive system consists of which components?

• A. Endocrine organs
• B. Alimentary canal and accessory organs
• C. Respiratory tract
• D. Nervous system

Answer: (B)

The digestive system is made up of the alimentary canal and the accessory organs that work with it. The alimentary canal is the continuous tube from mouth to anus—esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine—through which food travels and is broken down and absorbed. The accessory organs include structures like teeth and tongue for chewing, salivary glands to begin digestion, and organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and their ducts that produce or store enzymes, bile, and other digestive substances. Together, these components convert food into nutrients the body can use and eliminate remaining waste.

Endocrine organs belong to the hormonal control system, not the digestive tract itself. The respiratory tract belongs to the respiratory system, and the nervous system, while involved in regulating digestion, is not a digestive component.