1 Digestive System The process of chemically and physically breaking down foods into simpler forms that can be absorbed is called digestion. Digestive System • The digestive system can be divided into two major parts: – (1) the alimentary canal (gastrointestinal, or digestive tract) and – (2) the accessory organs.igestive System Overview • The large intestine is divided into the (1) cecum, (2) appendix, (3) colon, (4) rectum, and (5) anal canal. – The sigmoid colon joins the rectum, which terminates at the anal canal. The short anal canal terminates at the opening to the outside called the anus.