The satisfaction derived from savoring a steak or indulging in an ice cream sundae is only one aspect of a larger process that occurs in the human digestive system. From the moment food enters our mouths until long after we have finished a meal, the body engages in an extensive routine designed to retain nutrients and discard waste. This comprehensive book examines all the vital components involved in consuming and digesting food as well as the diseases and disorders that can plague this frequently overlooked area of the human body.