The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract and other organs that help the body break down and absorb food (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012). All of these organs have specific “tasks” to ensure the proper functioning of the digestive system. Many factors can prevent the system from functioning at its optimal level. Some of these problems can be prevented, while others, such as diseases and disorders, can be acquired genetically. The organs that make up the digestive tract are the esophagus, mouth, stomach, small intestine, large intestine or colon, rectum and anus. These are sometimes called “hollow” organs. Inside these organs is a lining called the mucous membrane or mucous membrane. In the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, the mucous membrane contains tiny glands that produce juices to aid in the digestion of food (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012). The digestive tract also contains a layer of smooth muscles that help break down food and move it along the digestive tract. The liver and pancreas, also called "solid" digestive organs, produce digestive juices that reach the intestine through small tubes called ducts. The gallbladder stores digestive juices from the liver until they are needed in the intestine (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012). Digestion involves mixing food with digestive juices, moving them through the digestive tract, and breaking them into smaller molecules. Digestion begins in the mouth and ends in the small intestine. The first major muscle movement occurs when food or liquid is swallowed. Swallowed food is pushed into the esophagus (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2012). Where the esophagus and stomach meet, there is a ring-shaped muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter that closes the passage between the two organs. As