The digestive system

The digestive system is composed of two parts: the alimentary canal and the accessory digestive structures. These two parts of the system work together to break down food into absorbable units and eliminate the non-digested material as feces. Let’s begin by identifying each of the organs in the alimentary canal and the accessory digestive structures.

Choose one organ/structure and post details about it to begin the discussion. Choose a different organ for each of your follow up posts to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

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Sample Answer

Sure, I can do that. Let’s start with the alimentary canal.

The alimentary canal is a long, muscular tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. It is divided into the following parts:

  • Mouth: The mouth is where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that start to break down carbohydrates.

Mouth anatomy

Pharynx: The pharynx is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus. It helps to move food from the mouth to the esophagus.

Pharynx anatomy

Esophagus: The esophagus is a muscular tube that carries food from the pharynx to the stomach. It helps to move food by contracting and relaxing its muscles.

 

Full Answer Section

Esophagus anatomy

Stomach: The stomach is a muscular sac that churns food and mixes it with gastric juices. Gastric juices contain enzymes that start to break down proteins.

Stomach anatomy

Small intestine: The small intestine is the longest part of the alimentary canal. It is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place.

Small intestine anatomy

Large intestine: The large intestine is the last part of the alimentary canal. It absorbs water and salts from food and eliminates the remaining waste products as feces.

Large intestine anatomy

Anus: The anus is the opening at the end of the alimentary canal where feces are eliminated

Anus anatomy

The accessory digestive structures are organs that help with the digestion of food, but are not part of the alimentary canal. These structures include:

  • Salivary glands: The salivary glands produce saliva, which helps to moisten food and start to break down carbohydrates

Salivary glands anatomy

Liver: The liver produces bile, which helps to break down fats. It also stores vitamins and minerals and helps to detoxify the blood.

Liver anatomy

Gallbladder: The gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the small intestine when food is present.

Gallbladder anatomy
Pancreas: The pancreas produces enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also produces insulin, which helps the body use glucose for energy.

Pancreas anatomy
The alimentary canal and the accessory digestive structures work together to break down food into absorbable units and eliminate the non-digested material as feces. This process is essential for our survival, as it provides us with the nutrients we need to stay healthy.

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