What is the role of the gastrointestinal system?

The gastrointestinal system's primary role is digestion and nutrient absorption. This complex system includes various organs, such as the mouth, stomach, intestines, and associated glands, that work together to break down food into smaller molecules. During this process, the body extracts essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins needed for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Once food is mechanically and chemically broken down in the stomach and small intestine, the nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, where they are transported to cells throughout the body. This process is vital for maintaining overall health and ensuring that the body has the necessary building blocks to function properly.

While the other options touch on important bodily functions—respiration and gas exchange is handled by the respiratory system, support and movement are functions of the skeletal and muscular systems, and waste filtration pertains to the excretory system—they do not pertain to the specific functions of the gastrointestinal system.