What is the correct order of food passage through the digestive tract?

The passage of food through the digestive tract follows a specific sequence that begins in the mouth and ends in the rectum. The correct order starts with the oesophagus, where food travels down into the stomach. Following the stomach, partially digested food then moves into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine responsible for further digestion and nutrient absorption. After these processes, the remnants proceed into the colon for further processing and eventual elimination.

In this sequence, the oesophagus is the initial passageway, transporting food to the stomach. This order aligns with the natural flow of digestion, as the stomach breaks down the food chemically and mechanically before it enters the duodenum for nutrient absorption. The colon's primary function is to process waste, not to digest food immediately following the stomach. Therefore, the placement of the colon earlier in any of the other sequences does not accurately depict the journey of food through the digestive tract.

Understanding this proper sequence is fundamental for comprehending human physiology, especially in contexts related to nutrition and digestive health.