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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the alimentary canal?
Which enzyme in saliva helps break down starch?
What is the role of peristalsis in the digestive process?
What is produced by gastric glands in the stomach?
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Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?
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Which organ is responsible for producing bile?
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What function does the large intestine perform?
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What are villi, and where are they located?
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What is the primary role of pancreatic juice?
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Study Notes
Alimentary Canal
- The alimentary canal, also known as the digestive tract, is a long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus.
- It is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food.
Mouth
- The mouth is the first part of the alimentary canal.
- Food is chewed and mixed with saliva.
- Saliva contains the enzyme salivary amylase which helps break down starch into simpler sugars like maltose.
- The tongue helps mix the food with saliva.
Esophagus
- The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
- Peristalsis, a wave-like muscular contraction, moves food down the esophagus.
Stomach
- The stomach is a muscular pouch that stores, mixes, and churns food with gastric juice.
- Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid and enzymes.
- Gastric glands in the stomach wall secrete gastric juice.
- The stomach breaks down large food molecules into smaller, absorbable ones.
Small Intestine
- The small intestine is divided into three segments: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
- Enzymes from the liver and pancreas continue breaking down food in the small intestine.
- The liver produces bile, which helps digest fats.
- The pancreas produces pancreatic juice containing enzymes for various food groups.
- The small intestine's inner wall has villi, finger-like projections that absorb digested food and water.
Liver
- The liver is the largest gland in the body.
- It secretes bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.
Pancreas
- The pancreas secretes pancreatic juice, which contains enzymes that help digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Large Intestine
- The large intestine absorbs water and stores waste material.
- The large intestine leads to the rectum, which continues to absorb water.
- Feces are eliminated through the anus (defecation).
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Description
Explore the anatomy and functions of the alimentary canal, starting from the mouth to the anus. This quiz covers the roles of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine in digestion and absorption of food.
