alimentary canal
digestive tube that extends from the mouth to the anus
The alimentary canal, also known as the digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract, is a long muscular tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It’s the primary site for digesting and absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. The alimentary canal is a complex system with different organs playing distinct roles in digestion and absorption.
The alimentary canal is composed of several parts:
1. Mouth: It’s the first part of the alimentary canal. It receives food and starts the mechanical digestion process through chewing and mixing it with saliva.
2. Pharynx: It’s the junction of the digestive and respiratory system.
3. Esophagus: A muscular tube that connects the pharynx to the stomach. It has sphincters that prevent food from coming back to the mouth or going into the lungs.
4. Stomach: A muscular sac that mixes food with gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid and enzymes to break down proteins.
5. Small intestine: It’s the longest part of the alimentary canal and the main site for nutrient absorption. It’s divided into three sections, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
6. Large intestine: It’s divided into the cecum, colon, rectum, and anus. It absorbs water and electrolytes and stores and eliminates feces.
In summary, the alimentary canal is a complex system that processes and absorbs nutrients from the food we eat to maintain our body’s energy and function.
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