The digestive system breaks down food into small molecules that can be absorbed into the body. It is composed of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and accessory organs like the liver, pancreas and salivary glands. Food is broken down mechanically by chewing and chemically by enzymes in the mouth, stomach and small intestine. Nutrients are then absorbed through the small intestine walls and remaining waste is eliminated as feces through the large intestine and rectum.