TAP OR CLICK A REGION, OR A BUTTON ABOVE, TO EXPLORE
Digestive System
The processing and absorption network, breaking food into nutrients and eliminating waste.
Overview
The digestive tract spans approximately 9 metres. The small intestine (6-7 m) contains millions of villi, expanding absorptive surface area to 250 square metres. The liver, 1.5 kg and the largest internal organ, performs over 500 distinct metabolic functions. The gut contains 100 trillion microorganisms with profound influence on immunity and mood.
Components
In Scripture
Bowels of compassion, the visceral seat of deep emotion
The Greek splanchna (literally "bowels/intestines") is translated as "compassion" or "deep affection" throughout the NT. Paul uses it to describe his most gut-level longing (Phil 1:8). The Hebrew mé'eh similarly locates emotion and moral conscience in the viscera. Modern neurogastroenterology has confirmed the gut's role as a "second brain" with 500 million neurons, giving ancient body-language for emotion surprising physiological precision.
"If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?"
1 John 3:17 (BSB)"God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:8 (BSB)"Clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
Colossians 3:12 (BSB)Conditions & Pathologies