Digestive System: Alimentary Canal Overview

Study Notes

Alimentary Canal

The alimentary canal is a long, continuous tube responsible for digestion and absorption of food.
Starts at the mouth and ends at the anus.

Mouth

Entry point for food.
Chewing and mixing with saliva occur here.
Saliva contains salivary amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugars like maltose.
The tongue assists in mixing food with saliva.

Esophagus

Muscular tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach.
Uses peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions) to move food.

Stomach

Muscular pouch that stores, mixes, and stirs food.
Secretes gastric juice, containing hydrochloric acid, to break down food molecules.
Gastric glands in the stomach wall produce these juices.

Small Intestine

Divided into three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
Final stages of food breakdown occur here.
Receives enzymes from the liver (bile) and pancreas (pancreatic juice).
Inner lining contains millions of finger-like projections called villi, which absorb digested food and water.

Liver

The largest gland in the body.
Secretes bile, which aids in fat digestion in the small intestine.

Pancreas

Secretes pancreatic juice, containing enzymes that aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Large Intestine

Absorbs water and stores feces.
Leads to the rectum, which opens at the anus, where feces are eliminated (defecation).

Description

Explore the major components of the alimentary canal, from the mouth to the anus. Understand the processes of digestion and absorption, including the roles of various organs like the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. This quiz covers essential functions and enzymatic actions within the digestive system.