Which system breaks down food and eliminates waste?

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and eliminating waste. This intricate system begins with the intake of food through the mouth, where mechanical and chemical digestion starts. The process continues as food travels through the esophagus to the stomach, where it is mixed with gastric juices that further break it down. As food progresses into the small intestine, it is mixed with enzymes and bile, allowing nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

After the nutrients are taken up, the remaining waste moves into the large intestine, where water is reabsorbed, and the waste is ultimately compacted and expelled from the body through the rectum and anus. This entire process ensures that the body receives essential nutrients while effectively managing and eliminating waste products, which is vital for maintaining health and proper bodily functions.

Other systems mentioned, such as the respiratory, endocrine, and nervous systems, have very different functions. The respiratory system is primarily focused on the exchange of gases, the endocrine system regulates hormones and metabolic processes, and the nervous system manages communication and coordination throughout the body. These functions are critical, but they do not involve the breakdown of food or the elimination of waste as the digestive system does.