The gastrointestinal tract is a long, muscular tube that serves as a passageway for food and nutrients from the mouth to the anus. It is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food and the elimination of waste products.

The gastrointestinal tract consists of several organs and structures, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus.

The mouth is where food is initially broken down by the teeth and mixed with saliva to begin the process of digestion. The pharynx and esophagus then transport the food to the stomach, where it is further broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

The small intestine is where most of the nutrients from the food are absorbed into the bloodstream. The large intestine, or colon, is where water is absorbed and waste products are formed into feces. The rectum stores feces until they are eliminated through the anus.

The gastrointestinal tract is controlled by a complex system of nerves and hormones that regulate the movement of food and the secretion of digestive enzymes. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to a variety of conditions, including ulcers, inflammation, and cancer.