Animal Digestive System: Organs and Functions
Mouth- Mechanical and chemical digestion
-Teeth, tongue
Esophagus
- Transports food from mouth to stomach
-Peristalsis (wave-like muscle contractions)
Stomach
-Chemical digestion
-Gastric juice (hydrochloric acid and enzymes)
-Churns and mixes food
Small intestine
-Chemical digestion and absorption
-Bile from liver breaks down fats
-Enzymes from pancreas break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
-Villi (finger-like projections) increase surface area for absorption
-Absorption of nutrients into bloodstream
Large intestine (colon)
- Absorption of water and electrolytes
-Formation of feces
Rectum
-Temporary storage of feces
Anus
-Expulsion of feces
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