Anatomy

Digestive System

A group of organs stretching from the MOUTH to the ANUS, serving to breakdown foods, assimilate nutrients, and eliminate waste. In humans, the digestive system includes the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT and the accessory glands (LIVER; BILIARY TRACT; PANCREAS).

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A group of organs stretching from the MOUTH to the ANUS, serving to breakdown foods, assimilate nutrients, and eliminate waste. In humans, the digestive system includes the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT and the accessory glands (LIVER; BILIARY TRACT; PANCREAS).

MeSH Record

Classification

Narrower headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

2 entry terms
  • Ailmentary System
  • Alimentary System

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

20 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiopathology, radiation effects, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

general or unspecified; prefer specifics; /abnorm = DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ABNORMALITIES but consider also specific part of digestive system with /abnorm or specific abnormality

MeSH Record

History Note

1972

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Gastrointestinal System (1966-1971)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. A03w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Digestive System. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D004064. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D004064
  2. Digestive System. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_digestive_system
  3. Digestive System. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9649