What does the digestive system primarily do?

The digestive system primarily breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. Its main function is to take in food, process it through mechanical and chemical means, and extract essential nutrients that the body requires for energy, growth, and cellular repair. This process involves multiple organs, including the mouth, stomach, intestines, and accessory organs like the liver and pancreas, which all contribute to digestion and nutrient absorption.

The digestive system also plays a crucial role in eliminating waste products from the body. By converting the food we consume into usable energy and nutrients, it supports overall health and well-being. This function is integral, as without a properly functioning digestive system, nutrient deficiencies can occur, impacting various bodily systems.

In contrast, regulating internal temperature is primarily handled by the integumentary and endocrine systems, while hormone distribution is mainly the function of the endocrine system. Filtering blood and producing urine are actions performed by the urinary system, particularly the kidneys. Each of these systems has specialized functions that do not overlap with the primary role of the digestive system.