The gastrointestinal (GI) system digests food and makes nutrients available to the body. It begins breaking down food in the mouth through enzymes and moves food through the digestive tract using peristalsis. Various organs like the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine further break down food using enzymes, acids, and bacteria before absorbing nutrients and expelling waste. The GI system communicates with the nervous system to regulate hunger, digestion, and nutrient feedback loops.