The gastrointestinal tract begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. It includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. Accessory organs that aid in digestion include the teeth, tongue, gallbladder, and digestive glands. The upper GI tract consists of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Food is broken down mechanically and mixed with saliva in the mouth before being swallowed and propelled through the esophagus to the stomach using peristalsis. The lower GI tract includes the small and large intestines where most digestion and absorption occurs before waste is eliminated through the anus.