Alimentary tract
Alimentary Tract
The Alimentary Tract (pronounced: al-uh-men-tuh-ree trakt), also known as the digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract, is a system in the body that takes in food, digests it to extract and absorb energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste as feces. The term "alimentary" is derived from the Latin word "alimentum," which means "nourishment."
Structure
The alimentary tract includes the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, in order from the entrance of the food to its exit. The entire system is about 9 meters long.
Function
The primary function of the alimentary tract is to break down food particles into molecular forms for digestion. This is accomplished through the process of mechanical digestion and chemical digestion. The alimentary tract also absorbs the end products of digestion into the bloodstream and eliminates indigestible substances from the body.
Related Terms
- Digestion: The process by which food and drink are broken down into their smallest parts so the body can use them to build and nourish cells and to provide energy.
- Absorption: The process by which the products of digestion are absorbed in the various sections of the digestive tract.
- Peristalsis: The process of wave-like muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along.
- Bolus: A small rounded mass of a substance, especially of chewed food at the moment of swallowing.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alimentary tract
- Wikipedia's article - Alimentary tract
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