Oral cavity → pharynx → esophagus → stomach → small intestine → large intestine → rectum/anus.
Salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas support digestion. The liver produces bile; gallbladder stores/concentrates it; pancreas provides digestive enzymes/bicarbonate as well as endocrine hormones.
Duodenum, jejunum and ileum are major sites of digestion and nutrient absorption. Villi/microvilli increase absorptive surface area.
Absorbs water/electrolytes, houses microbiota and forms/stores fecal material.
A serous membrane associated with abdominal walls and organs. Mesenteries support and convey vessels/nerves to many digestive organs.
Acute unexplained abdominal pain, suspected obstruction, acute inflammatory abdominal disease, recent surgery or symptomatic hernia require caution/medical clarification. GERD may make prone or flat supine positioning uncomfortable after meals.
Be able to identify the major structures, state their functions, connect the system to relevant pathology and explain how the information changes massage safety or treatment planning.