The epiglottis, salivary glands, esophagus, and large intestine are parts of which body system?

• A. Digestive
• B. Respiratory
• C. Circulatory
• D. Nervous

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is identifying which body system is responsible for handling food and extracting nutrients, from intake to waste. The salivary glands produce saliva to begin breaking down food and moisten it for swallowing. The esophagus moves that food downward into the stomach through coordinated muscle waves. The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes and forms waste. The epiglottis, while located near the airway, assists swallowing by directing food away from the trachea and toward the esophagus, tying its function to the process of digestion rather than respiration. Taken together, these parts are best categorized under the digestive system.