KONSEP SISTEM PENCERNAAN MAKANAN PADA MANUSIA SEBAGAI DASAR PEMAHAMAN PROSES BIOLOGIS

Abstrak

The digestive system is a complex series of biological processes that convert food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. This study aims to outline the basic concepts of the human digestive system, including the organs involved, the mechanisms of mechanical and chemical digestion, and their relationship to the body's metabolic processes and energy balance. The research method used a qualitative descriptive literature study approach, analyzing various scientific sources published between 2020 and 2025 that discuss the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of the human digestive system. The results of the study indicate that the digestive system consists of the main tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine) and accessory organs (liver, pancreas, and gallbladder) that work synergistically in the processes of mechanical and chemical digestion. Recent studies highlight the important role of gut microbiota and digestive enzymes in maintaining energy homeostasis and the body's immune system. Research innovations such as the use of organoids and in vitro simulations also strengthen physiological understanding of how digestion affects human metabolism systemically. Thus, digestive system efficiency has been shown to have a direct influence on metabolism and energy balance. A conceptual understanding of this system is fundamental to understanding the biological mechanisms of the human body and is important for strengthening science learning at both elementary and secondary levels.