Which body system breaks down food into absorbable units that enter the blood and eliminates waste as feces?

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into absorbable units that the body can utilize for energy, growth, and cellular repair. It involves the mechanical and chemical processing of food, which begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach and intestines. Here, enzymes and acids further digest the food into smaller molecules, such as amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the intestines.

As food is processed, the digestive system also plays a key role in eliminating waste. Undigested material and leftover byproducts that the body cannot use are compacted into feces and excreted from the body. This elimination process is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and preventing the buildup of potentially harmful substances.

The other systems listed do have important functions, but they do not perform the combined tasks of food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination as effectively as the digestive system does. The cardiovascular system is essential for transporting nutrients and gases but does not handle digestion. The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide, and does not process food. The urinary system is involved in filtering blood and eliminating waste products from metabolism through urine, but it does not play a role in the