The primary purpose of the digestive system is to break down food into smaller, absorbable components to provide energy and nutrients necessary for the body's functions. This complex system involves various organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, each playing a specific role in digestion. The process begins with mechanical and chemical breakdown in the mouth and continues in the stomach and intestines, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The digestive system also helps eliminate waste products, maintaining overall health and supporting the body's metabolic activities through the nutrients derived from food.