Alimentary canal

Definition

The alimentary canal is a continuous, hollow tube that extends from the mouth to the anus, through which food is ingested, digested, absorbed for energy and nutrients, and waste expelled. It includes several major organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and rectum that collectively perform the digestion and absorption process.

Related terms

Digestion: The biochemical breakdown of complex food substances into simpler forms that can be absorbed by body cells.

Absorption: The process by which nutrients from digested food are taken into the bloodstream through the walls of the intestine.

Peristalsis: Involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system