Food enters the human digestive system through the mouth before then moving through the pharynx, esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum and anus. In the mouth, food is chewed and broken down into small pieces suitable for digestion. The mouth produces more saliva to break down food into a form that the body can use and absorb. Next, food slides down the pharynx, which is also called the throat. Food is further swallowed in the pharynx as a reflex.