What is the role of the digestive system in the human body?

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body can absorb for energy, growth, and cell repair. The process begins in the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and chemically digested by saliva. The food then travels to the stomach, where it is further broken down by stomach acids and enzymes. Nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, while waste products are processed and excreted by the large intestine. The digestive system plays a crucial role in overall health and maintaining bodily functions.