alimentary canal, gut, enteric canal, enteron

alimentary canal, gut, enteric canal, enteron

or

gastrointestinal tract

the tubular passage that extends from MOUTH to ANUS. It has several distinct functions:

1. ingestion of food via the mouth, utilizing teeth and tongue;
2. DIGESTION of food beginning in the mouth and continuing in the STOMACH and SMALL INTESTINE;
3. ABSORPTION of nutrients in soluble form, occurring mainly in the small intestine, with water being taken in via the large INTESTINE;
4. elimination of faecal material via the anus, the faecal material containing a mixture of undigested food and excreted material such as BILE SALTS. See DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005