58 Digestive Integration of Systems
In addition to serving as a nutritive input for all of the body systems, the digestive system interacts with all of the systems of the body.
| Body System | Digestive System Support | Digestive System Benefits/Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Provides nutrients for the formation of plasma protein and blood cells; the liver detoxifies blood, produces plasma proteins, and destroys old red blood cells; Hydration levels to help maintain blood pressure | Blood vessels transport nutrients from the digestive system to other parts of body; blood supplies digestive organs |
| Endocrine | Stomach and small intestine produce hormones | Endocrine hormones help regulate secretion in digestive glands and accessory organs; insulin and glucagon control glucose storage in liver |
| Lymphatic | Provides nutrients for lymphoid organs; stomach acidity blocks entry of pathogens | Lacteals absorb fat; Peyer’s patches block entry of pathogens |
| Muscular | Provides glucose for muscle action; liver metabolizes lactic acid buildup after muscle activity | Smooth muscle contraction creates peristalsis; skeletal muscles support and protect abdominal organs; Skeletal muscles aid in swallowing and voluntary sphincter control |
| Nervous | Provides nutrients for neurons | Nerves innervate smooth muscles responsible for digestive tract movements |
| Reproductive | Provides nutrients for reproductive organs and fetal development | During pregnancy, digestive organs are crowded, causing heartburn and constipation |
| Respiratory | Shared pharynx allows breathing through the mouth | In lungs, gas exchange provides oxygen to, and excretes carbon dioxide from, the digestive tract via the vascular system. |
| Skeletal | Provides calcium and other nutrients for bone growth and repair | Bones protect and support digestive organs; hyoid bone helps deglutition |
| Integumentary | Provides nutrients required by the skin, hair and nails | The skin helps protect digestive organs and provides vitamin D for calcium absorption |
| Urinary | Liver synthesizes urea; digestive system excretes bile pigments from liver | Kidneys convert vitamin D to its active form, allowing calcium absorption; Urinary water loss influences water available for saliva formation and chime production |
