Alimentary Canal Organs
The alimentary canal is a continuous tube from the mouth to the anus.
It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum and ileum), large intestine (colon and rectum), and anus.
Food passes through these organs in sequence during digestion.
- Mouth → esophagus → stomach → small intestine (duodenum, ileum) → large intestine (colon, rectum) → anus.
Associated Digestive Organs
Salivary glands produce saliva to begin chemical digestion in the mouth.
The pancreas produces digestive enzymes released into the small intestine.
The liver produces bile to emulsify fats, stored in the gall bladder until needed.
- Salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder aid digestion but are not part of the canal.
Functions of Key Organs
The mouth starts digestion by chewing and mixing food with saliva.
The esophagus transports food to the stomach by muscular contractions.
The stomach stores food and begins protein digestion.
The small intestine digests food chemically and absorbs nutrients.
The large intestine absorbs water and forms feces.
The anus controls the expulsion of feces from the body.
- Each organ has a specific role in digestion and absorption.
At-a-glance summary
Comparison table
| Organ | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Mouth | Alimentary canal | Mechanical digestion and saliva secretion |
| Esophagus | Alimentary canal | Transports food to stomach |
| Stomach | Alimentary canal | Stores food and starts protein digestion |
| Small intestine (duodenum and ileum) | Alimentary canal | Chemical digestion and nutrient absorption |
| Large intestine (colon and rectum) | Alimentary canal | Water absorption and feces formation |
| Anus | Alimentary canal | Controls feces release |
| Salivary glands | Associated organ | Produce saliva with enzymes |
| Pancreas | Associated organ | Produces digestive enzymes and insulin |
| Liver | Associated organ | Produces bile for fat digestion |
| Gall bladder | Associated organ | Stores and releases bile |
Active recall
Quick check
1. What is the first organ of the alimentary canal?
The mouth, where digestion begins.
2. Name the two parts of the small intestine.
Duodenum and ileum.
3. Which organ produces bile?
The liver produces bile.