Most vertebrates have similar digestive systems and the turtle is no exception. Turtles are not strictly herbivores, all species are found to eat at least some meat which causes them to have powerful digestive enzymes (Poland 2000). In addition turtles swallow their food with very little chewing. Food particles are often whole or in fairly large chunks. The salivary glands of the turtle help to soften and break down the food to make swallowing possible (Dawson 2000).
 
 

Mouth and Tongue
The mouth of a turtle is a cavity found inside its skull. The tongue is flat and wide and fastened securely to the bottom of its mouth to prevent it from moving.  Air, water, food and other essential nutrients enter the turtle's body most often by way of the mouth.

Esophagus and Stomach
The esophagus is tubular, digestive structure that is connected to the stomach. Powerful digestive enzymes and acids within the turtle's stomach decompose the food. The walls of the organs in the digestive system are composed of smooth muscle that helps to push the food through the system and aids in decomposition of the food by churning during the digestive process.

Liver, Gall Bladder and Pancreas
The liver is the largest organ in the body of a turtle. The liver has numerous functions and capabilities among which one is bile production. The gall bladder, on the other hand,  is a small organ hidden behind the liver. It transfers the bile produced in the liver to the small intestine in the digestive process. Finally, the pancreas sliver like gland located next to the small intestine. It aids in the digestive process by introducing digestive enzymes into the small intestine as well (Dawson 2000).

Small and Large Intestine
The small intestine is connected from the stomach to the large intestine. Villi (or villus singular) located on the small intestine wall absorb food into the body. The large intestine, which is also known as the colon, reabsorbs excess waste and water produced by the digestive system.

Anus
The last part of the digestive system, the anus is where the feces (or wastes) exit the turtle's body.