What organs are included in the gastrointestinal tract?

The gastrointestinal tract, also known as the digestive tract, comprises a continuous tube that starts from the mouth and extends to the anus. This system includes several key organs involved in the process of digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.

The stomach plays a critical role in breaking down food using acid and enzymes. Following this, the food moves into the small intestine, where the majority of nutrient absorption occurs. The small intestine is further divided into three regions: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. After the small intestine, the large intestine, or colon, processes waste and absorbs remaining water and salts.

Since the question asks for organs that are included in the gastrointestinal tract, the correct answer includes both the stomach and both intestines—small and large—highlighting their essential functions within the digestive process. The liver and pancreas, while vital to digestion by producing bile and digestive enzymes respectively, are not part of the gastrointestinal tract itself, as they are accessory organs that aid the digestive process but do not form the continuous tube.