1-10. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
This system consists of the alimentary tract and certain accessory organs (see
figure 1-12). The alimentary tract is a specialized tube extending from the mouth to the
anus. The alimentary tract is divided into the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach,
small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The accessory organs are the
salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and intestinal glands. The digestive
process begins with the intake of food. The complex chemical substances of food are
then broken down into simple chemical substances (food products). Food products
pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream to be used by the cells. During the
digestive process, specific digestive actions take place in the different parts of the
alimentary tract.
Figure 1-12. Digestive system.
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