What are the primary organs of the digestive system?

The primary organs of the digestive system are indeed the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Each of these organs plays a crucial role in the process of digestion, which is the breakdown of food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.

The mouth is where digestion begins, as food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva for easier swallowing. The esophagus then serves as a passageway for the food to travel down to the stomach, where it is further digested with the help of strong acids and enzymes. The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient absorption; its highly folded walls and specialized structures increase surface area for maximum nutrient uptake. Finally, the large intestine absorbs water and prepares waste for elimination from the body.

Other choices refer to organs or systems that do not relate to digestion. The heart and lungs are part of the circulatory and respiratory systems, respectively; the brain and spinal cord are components of the nervous system; and the skin, hair, nails, and sweat glands are part of the integumentary system. Each of these systems serves different functions vital for overall body health but does not play a direct role in the digestive process.